Davao city: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Southern Mindanao office has arrested a woman who operated a spa that exploited minors in Davao City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI-Southern Mindanao Regional Office reported that the woman, known as 'Madam Ram', was apprehended at the Heaven Personal Massage Spa on October 7. The arrest followed a complaint from the mother and grandmother of a 15-year-old, who sought assistance from the NBI after discovering that the massage parlor employed minors as sex workers, charging PHP3,500 per service.

An operation was subsequently conducted, leading to the suspect's arrest and the rescue of the minor involved. The suspect faces charges under Republic Act No. 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, in conjunction with Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

The rescued minor has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for debriefing and medical examination.