MANILA, Philippines – Eight female victims of human trafficking, three of whom were minors, were rescued by authorities from a bar in Baguio City.

The bar’s owner, Korean Nora Chang, allegedly recruited the women from Mindanao and promised P10,000 each for their families in exchange for their service.

However, the money was never given to the families.

The young women were also locked up inside the bar the whole day and were only released to eat dinner.

"We were able to eat our dinner but that was our only meal each day. We were locked up so we cannot go out to buy food for breakfast and lunch," 15-year-old "Cute" (not her real name) said.

The victims have yet to decide if they will file charges against the recruiter because of fear.

They are now in the custody of women’s group Gabriela.

Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Luz Ilagan, meanwhile, is eyeing a review of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act to make the law more protective of women.

"The law should protect persons, most of the time women, from the time they are still being recruited to prevent further danger in the succeeding processes for the women. More than that, the serious lack of job opportunities for women should be addressed to prevent illegal recruiters and sex traffickers from preying on women's poverty," Ilagan said in a press statement.