Local authorities arrested at least eight alleged sex workers Thursday night in front of a shopping facility in Garapan.<\/p>\n
Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente said yesterday that he himself took part in the anti-prostitution operation that night.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral ladies were arrested,\u201d he said, noting that police and immigration officials had properly secured warrants of arrest before the operation.<\/p>\n
Benavente initially chaired the anti-prostitution task force when it was formed in 2002. This campaign is now handled primarily by the Attorney General\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our first priority when we got elected into office. This [prostitution] is an issue with our tourists, who claim of harassment on the streets,\u201d said Benavente.<\/p>\n
Several Chinese-looking women were seen fleeing in groups to certain establishments in Garapan during the night. They were seen running in and out of an apartment located beside a Chinese restaurant in the commercial district. They fled to the establishment at least three times.<\/p>\n
The ladies, totaling about 20, would be dropped off by designated cars. After a few minutes, however, the cars would return to fetch the individuals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe authorities know these activities and they are closing in. We\u2019re determined to eradicate this problem,\u201d said Benavente.<\/p>\n
The AGO criminal division office said that it has warned certain establishments being alleged as fronts for the illicit sex trade that they face possible criminal prosecution.<\/p>\n
At least three shops have reportedly been issued a 60-day notice to stop suspected prostitution activities.<\/p>\n
Last Tuesday, lawmen reportedly arrested seven female alien workers for allegedly offering sexual favors for a fee.<\/p>\n
The arrests came following the issuance of court warrants sought by Immigration agents, who have been conducting surveillance operations in the area since October 2004.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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