October 22, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Criminal cases were filed against a woman for attempted trafficking of two women to become surrogate mothers in Thailand, National Bureau of Investigation chief Jaime Santiago reported yesterday.
Santiago said charges of violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law were filed against Freezle Rose Balondo before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.
Balondo was arrested on Oct. 13 when she accompanied the victims to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
They pretended to be friends going on a tour in Bangkok for six days, Santiago said.
The women claimed they were employed by a company as customer service representatives in Thailand.
Santiago said immigration authorities prevented the three from leaving due to inconsistencies in their statements.
During questioning, the victims admitted that they were recruited as surrogate mothers in Thailand in exchange for up to $10,000.
They said Balondo was the one who supplied their employment and travel documents.
Santiago said Balondo admitted that she is a coordinator of MLE & Mlang International Surrogacy LLC, assisting prospective surrogate mothers from the Philippines.
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