Court convicts cop to life for human trafficking
MANILA –Two persons, including a police officer, were sentenced to life imprisonment after they were found guilty of human trafficking in the Philippines.
Judge Amelia Tria-Infante of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 9 handed down the life sentence to Police Officer 2 Dennis Reci and Feliciano Manansala for qualified trafficking, a violation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
“The conviction of Reci should serve as a warning to all human traffickers that the government is committed to bringing to justice all those who take advantage of our women and children, no matter who they are,” said Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, chairman of the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking.
The sentence against Reci marks the first time that a police officer has been convicted for human trafficking.
Reci owned and operated 8RC Bar which he and Manansala used as front for child prostitution. The operation was discovered in May of 2005 and was reported to authorities.
The two were arrested on May 31, 2005 by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment, and International Justice Mission Manila.
The arrest resulted to the rescue of two minor girls. Nine adult women were also provided social services.
Senior State Prosecutor Deana Perez of the Department of Justice filed charges of qualified human trafficking against the two, and a John Doe who evaded arrest.
“Traffickers may attempt to take advantage of children believing that they are more powerful than vulnerable minors. But in the Philippines, our children do not stand alone. They are protected by our laws, police and NGOs. It is a privilege for IJM to once again play a role in the successful prosecution of an anti-trafficking case with the DOJ and law enforcement. It is an affirmation of how close collaboration between government and the NGO sector can be very effective in combating violations of human rights.” said IJM Manila Director Atty. Carmela Andal-Castro.
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My Letter To Our President
I, Police Officer 2 Dennis A. Reci sincerely swear that I am completely innocent of the charges hurled against me. I am operating a legitimate business to augment the measly salary I was getting at the time. The allegations were all borne out of politics as my father’s opponent was the Barangay Chairman at the time who conspired with the various agencies (IACAT) and International Justice Mission to maliciously prosecute and persecute me. To inform my esteemed institution where I belong and was performing well before I was illegally arrested and and incarcerated, I have an outstanding appeal at the Court of Appeals and any action taken outside, like summary dismissal mentioned and required reply is highly prejudicial as my present judicial standing is NOT final. I wonder why the present hierarchy of authority in the PNP who has no direct and thorough knowledge of the TRUE facts of my case easily relied on their subordinates accepting them as gospel truth without hearing my side in the past six (6) years and are now so eager to put me down further and crucify me ! Sirs, for your information since I was arrested I wasn’t accorded presumption of innocence and got NO help from the PNP., NONE…This is sadly how the state treat its front liners but officials in reverse, with utmost leniency… So please give me the benefit of due process as we are upholding the “Daang Matuwid” in this good administration.
Thank you very much.
Truly Yours,
PO2 Dennis Azuela Reci