DAVAO CITY (December 29) —The Supreme Court of the Philippines has upheld the conviction and life imprisonment of a woman found guilty of qualified human trafficking and child abuse for luring a 16-year-old minor into prostitution in exchange for a ₱2,000 commission—an act that ultimately led to the victim’s death.
In a 15-page decision penned by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the High Court’s Second Division affirmed the ruling against April Jane Banguis Albet, sustaining her conviction under Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), as amended, and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Court records show that in 2016, Albet facilitated the sexual exploitation of the minor by transporting her to a hotel to meet a male customer. In return for the referral, Albet received a ₱2,000 commission. After the encounter, the minor was later found lifeless inside the hotel room.
Albet denied the accusations, but both the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Court of Appeals (CA) found her guilty, ruling that her bare denial could not overcome the positive and consistent testimonies of witnesses who saw her accompany the victim into the hotel shortly before the minor’s death.
In elevating the case to the Supreme Court, Albet questioned the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence. The High Court, however, ruled that all elements of qualified human trafficking were clearly established.
“The prosecution has satisfactorily established Albet’s recruitment and transportation of the victim for purposes of prostitution and sexual exploitation, taking advantage of her minority and vulnerability,” the Court said.
The Court also sustained Albet’s conviction for child abuse, emphasizing that the law penalizes individuals who act as procurers of child prostitutes.
As a result, Albet was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a ₱2 million fine for qualified human trafficking. She was also directed to indemnify the victim’s heirs with ₱500,000 in moral damages and ₱100,000 in exemplary damages.
For the child abuse conviction, the Court imposed an additional penalty of 14 to 20 years of imprisonment, along with ₱150,000 in damages.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
