2 weeks ago
18
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
EJ Macababbad - The Philippine Star
April 25, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation rescued 54 women at a nightclub in Pasig City this week, the compound of which is being leased by a company led by the wife and son of former lawmaker Mike Defensor.
The NBI-Special Task Group initiated a raid on April 21 after three weeks of surveillance confirmed that the Chicago Nightclub was recruiting and sexually exploiting women.
Customers pay anywhere between P5,000 and P20,000 for sex, depending on the arrangement or the “classification of women,” according to the NBI.
Some of the rescued women are foreigners; all are now under the custody of social welfare authorities.
The nightclub – registered as a KTV and managed by Chicago Electronic and Entertainment Corp. – shares the same building with Bleu Hotel, operated by Zerrin Development Corp., where Julie Rose Defensor sits as chairman and president and Miguel Gabriel Defensor as treasurer.
NBI director Melvin Matibag said both companies have “interlocking” directors and officers, allowing both establishments to facilitate the suspected crimes.
On Thursday, the NBI filed charges against 26 personalities for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Those charged include officials from Zerrin and Chicago, as well as 16 people arrested at the scene, with more lawsuits expected as the investigation continues.
In a statement, Julie Defensor denied any ties to the establishments and lashed out at Matibag for using her and her son as “collateral damage” to attack the former congressman, who is politically outspoken and identified with the Duterte opposition camp.
“Any attempt to link our family to the abhorrent acts allegedly committed there is a deliberate, dangerous and desperate lie,” Julie said.
Matibag defended the operation, saying that agents learned of the nightclub’s ties with the Defensors only after reviewing its corporate documents.
