The Quezon City Government has shut down two lodging establishments found to be complicit in the trafficking and exploitation of minors, as part of its intensified campaign to protect children from abuse and criminal exploitation.
On June 20, the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) issued a temporary closure order against Blazingwood Apartelle in Barangay San Agustin for violating Section 75 (c) of the Quezon City Revenue Code. The law authorizes the City Mayor to close any business that becomes a public nuisance or is used by disorderly or criminal individuals.
The closure follows a joint entrapment and rescue operation last May led by the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center – Luzon Field Unit (PNP WCPC-LFU), in coordination with the Caloocan City Social Welfare Department and QCPD. Six minors were rescued from the apartelle, and two individuals were arrested for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
“Nakakalungkot na ang mga kabataan, na dapat ay nasa paaralan, ay nagiging biktima ng mga mapagsamantalang tao. Hindi kami titigil hangga’t di napaparusahan ang mga ito. Susuyurin namin ang lahat ng establisyemento kung kinakailangan,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Earlier in the week, the BPLD also shut down MC Hotel (Maxmuller, Inc.) for violating the Quezon City Liquor Ordinance (NC-85, S-89 as amended by SP-2995, S-2020). The hotel had allowed minors to consume alcohol on its premises.
On June 18, an operation by the city’s Social Services Development Department (SSDD), QCPD, and the PNP WCPC-LFU rescued 20 minors from the hotel. Social workers confirmed that some of the children had been involved in sex work and had been staying in the establishment for more than two weeks. Several minors also disclosed that they frequently visited the hotel to swim and engage in vices such as drinking.
The rescued minors are now under the care of the Quezon City Processing Center and Bahay Kanlungan, while their barangays and families are being contacted.
All-Out Campaign Against Exploitation
To prevent further abuse, Mayor Belmonte has directed the BPLD, SSDD, and QCPD to intensify surveillance of motels, inns, and other lodging facilities that may be used as fronts for human trafficking and exploitation.
The city is also working closely with barangay officials, police station commanders, and faith-based organizations—including the Dioceses of Cubao and Novaliches—to coordinate citywide anti-trafficking efforts.
Under City Ordinance SP-3413, S-2024 or the Quezon City Tourism Child Protection Policy, all tourism-related establishments—including hotels, inns, motels, restaurants, and shops—are required to report, within 24 hours, any suspected case of child exploitation, abuse, or online sexual exploitation of children (OSAEC). Adults accompanied by unrelated minors must be reported immediately.
Establishments are also mandated to:
• Require adult guests to present valid proof of identity.
• Require proof of relationship for any accompanying minors.
• Prohibit entry of unregistered minors who are not relatives of the guest.
“Bilang isang lungsod na makabata, tungkulin nating protektahan ang ating mga kabataan. Huwag tayong magbulag-bulagan sa mga kahina-hinalang gawain. Kung may alam kayo, i-report niyo agad sa pamahalaang lungsod,” Mayor Belmonte emphasized.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities by calling Helpline 122 or messaging the official Facebook page of the Quezon City Government.
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