MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed qualified human trafficking charges on Thursday against former lawmaker Mike Defensor, his wife Julie Rose Defensor, and other personalities linked to a KTV establishment in Pasig City that was raided over alleged sexual exploitation activities involving women.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said during a media briefing that the complaint was based on evidence gathered during the April raid, including documents, corporate records, and findings from the rescue operation involving more than 50 alleged victims.
Matibag presented photos and other evidence recovered from the establishment, including pregnancy test kits that he said were allegedly used to determine whether female workers had become pregnant.
He said the NBI considered the women vulnerable because many were single mothers seeking employment and income, making them susceptible to exploitation.
The NBI chief rejected claims that no trafficking occurred because the women were not physically forced, saying exploitation could also happen through economic vulnerability and the circumstances surrounding their employment.
“They are not just numbers. They are the reason why we are here,” Matibag said, referring to the alleged victims and stressing that the bureau pursued the case to hold those responsible accountable.
The NBI also presented its findings on the ownership and control structure of companies allegedly connected to the establishment, saying the Defensor family maintained control through ownership interests and corporate positions.
Matibag said records from the Securities and Exchange Commission showed that control of CliffPoint Development Corporation was linked to Pax Libera Mining, which the NBI claimed was also controlled by the Defensor family.
He said Mike Defensor, Julie Rose Defensor, and their family members held key positions in the companies, describing the arrangement as an “interlocking directorate” where ownership and management remained within the family.
According to Matibag, Defensor’s direct ownership in CliffPoint may have decreased over the years, but the NBI found that control remained through related corporations.
“The form and structure may have changed, but control remained with the Defensor couple and their family,” Matibag said.
The NBI said the charges against the couple were filed under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, citing provisions covering qualified trafficking, liability of corporate officers, alleged syndicate involvement, and the large number of alleged victims.
Matibag said the corporate structure itself formed part of the evidence because it allegedly showed who had control over the operation.
The NBI chief also addressed accusations from Defensor that the investigation was politically motivated, saying the bureau relied on official documents and evidence gathered during the investigation.
He said allegations against investigators would not erase the evidence presented by the NBI.
Regarding reports of illegal drugs found during the raid, Matibag said individuals allegedly caught using prohibited substances had already been charged, while other possible liabilities connected to the establishment remained under investigation.
Matibag said additional officials linked to the companies would be identified when the formal case documents were released.
He reminded the public that the respondents remained presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
“No one is above the law,” Matibag said, adding that the NBI would continue pursuing those allegedly responsible based on evidence regardless of their status or influence.
