Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it will file human trafficking charges against former lawmaker Mike Defensor in connection with a KTV bar raid in Pasig City on April 21.
During a press conference on Wednesday, June 24, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators found evidence linking Defensor to the establishment’s operations, citing alterations made to the property’s approved building plans.
Matibag said the original design of the compound, which houses a KTV and a hotel, was supposedly modified to accommodate the illegal activities.
“It was observed na ang design, original design itong compound na ito ay binago to suit sa plano nila talagang human trafficking,” said Matibag.
[Translation: It was observed that the original design of the compound was changed to suit their plan for human trafficking.]
The NBI said official documents obtained from the Pasig City Engineer’s Office showed that portions of the property, including entrances and internal layouts, were altered without the required amendments and approvals.
The bureau also pointed to a section of the approved plans that designated a ground-floor area as Defensor’s office, which investigators said was instead occupied by the KTV establishment.
The NBI earlier filed charges against Defensor’s wife, Julie, and their son, Miguel Gabriel, in connection with the same incident.
