THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it would file a human trafficking complaint against former lawmaker Mike Defensor in connection with alleged sexual exploitation activities at a Pasig City KTV bar linked to his family.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the complaint against Defensor would be filed on Friday before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office after evidence linking him to the establishment’s operations was collated.
Matibag said an initial probe showed that Defensor was aware of the alleged illegal activities in the establishment.
Defensor has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
Matibag has rejected Defensor’s claim that the investigation was politically motivated, saying it was based on verified reports and evidence.
The NBI earlier filed complaints against Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose Defensor, and their son, Miguel Gabriel Defensor, over alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and other related offenses.
In an earlier statement, the NBI said authorities raided the establishment, resulting in the rescue of more than 50 women and the arrest of several individuals. Investigators alleged that the women were recruited for supposed entertainment work but were subjected to sexual exploitation activities.
Authorities alleged that the KTV bar is connected to Bleu Hotel. The hotel was later shut down by Pasig City over alleged involvement in human trafficking and prostitution, with the filing of criminal complaints pending.
The NBI said it is looking into possible violations of the National Building Code after investigators found structural changes, including concealed doors, hidden stairways and private rooms in the establishment, which may have facilitated the alleged illegal activities.
