Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte—At least 12 suspected guest relations officers (GROs), with half of them minors, a were rescued by elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a privately owned beach resort in Barangay Estancia in this town.

The raid on the resort was a result of a tip given to the police intelligence group on April 15 that several GROs are in the said resort.

The Pasuquin beach resort is reportedly owned by a certain Bebot Ferrer, who also operates the Discovery Disco in Barangay 1, Laoag City.

With this development the PNP has sought the assistance of the local Department of Social Welfare and Development office for the agency to take custody of the arrested GROs, especially the minors, while their respective parents or relatives are being traced so they can be properly turned over.

Based on the interview conducted by DSWD officials on these girls, it was found out that they are from Tarlac, and Parañaque City and Las Piñas City in Metro Manila.

While the DSWD is currently tracing these girls’ relatives, the PNP is poised to file charges against the beach resort owner for employing minors in his business.

Leilanie G. Adriano