The Quezon City Government has ordered the closure of two lodging establishments found complicit in the trafficking and exploitation of minors, reinforcing its all-out campaign to protect children from abuse and criminal activity.
On June 20, the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) issued a temporary closure order against Blazingwood Apartelle in Barangay San Agustin for violating Section 75 (c) of the Quezon City Revenue Code. This provision authorizes the City Mayor to shut down any business deemed a public nuisance or used for criminal purposes.
The closure followed a joint entrapment and rescue operation in May led by the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center – Luzon Field Unit (PNP WCPC-LFU), in coordination with the Caloocan City Social Welfare Department and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). Authorities rescued six minors from the apartelle and arrested two suspects for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
“It is heartbreaking that children who should be in school are being exploited by heartless individuals. We will not stop until all those responsible are held accountable. We will inspect every establishment if necessary,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Earlier that same week, the BPLD also closed MC Hotel (Maxmuller, Inc.) for violating the Quezon City Liquor Ordinance (NC-85, S-89, as amended by SP-2995, S-2020), after it was found allowing minors to consume alcohol on its premises.
On June 18, an operation by the city’s Social Services Development Department (SSDD), QCPD, and PNP WCPC-LFU rescued 20 minors from the hotel. Social workers confirmed that some of the children were engaged in sex work and had been staying in the hotel for over two weeks. Others revealed that they frequently visited the establishment to drink and use its pool facilities.
The rescued minors are now under the care of the Quezon City Processing Center and Bahay Kanlungan, with efforts underway to contact their respective barangays and families.
Citywide Anti-Exploitation Measures
To prevent similar cases, Mayor Belmonte has directed the BPLD, SSDD, and QCPD to intensify surveillance and inspections of motels, inns, and other lodging facilities that may serve as fronts for child trafficking and exploitation.
Quezon City is also collaborating with barangay officials, police commanders, and faith-based organizations—including the Dioceses of Cubao and Novaliches—to strengthen grassroots-level coordination in identifying and addressing suspected trafficking cases.
Under City Ordinance SP-3413, S-2024 or the Quezon City Tourism Child Protection Policy, all tourism-related businesses—including hotels, motels, inns, restaurants, and shops—are required to report any suspected cases of child abuse, trafficking, or online sexual exploitation of children (OSAEC) within 24 hours. Any adult accompanied by unrelated minors must also be reported immediately.
These establishments are mandated to:
Require valid identification from adult guests;
Demand proof of relationship for any accompanying minors;
Refuse entry to unregistered minors who are not relatives of the guest.
“As a child-friendly city, it is our duty to protect our youth. Let us not turn a blind eye to suspicious activities. If you see something, report it immediately to the city government,” Mayor Belmonte urged.
Concerned residents may report suspicious behavior by calling Helpline 122 or sending a message to the official Facebook page of the Quezon City Government.