MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file a human trafficking complaint against former congressman Mike Defensor in connection with a KTV bar in Pasig City that was previously raided over alleged sexual exploitation involving dozens of women.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the complaint would be filed Friday before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office, following the bureau’s investigation into the establishment.
Matibag said evidence gathered by investigators indicated Defensor’s alleged involvement in the operations of the KTV bar, adding that authorities believe the former lawmaker was aware of the reported trafficking activities.
“It appears Mike Defensor was indeed involved in this matter,” Matibag said, noting that investigators believe he knew about the alleged operations inside the establishment.
The NBI also said its findings included violations of the National Building Code based on the structure’s floor plan. It alleged that Defensor was aware of and consented to structural modifications that allegedly facilitated trafficking activities, including concealed doors, hidden stairways, and private rooms.
Defensor has denied the allegations, calling them “politically motivated.”
The NBI filed related charges against Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose Defensor, and their son, Miguel Gabriel Defensor, in connection with the same case.