NBI Files Charges Against Wife and Son of Former Congressman Mike Defensor in Human Trafficking Case

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal charges against Julie Defensor, wife of former Representative Mike Defensor, and her son Miguel Defensor, in connection with an alleged human trafficking operation uncovered during a raid on an establishment in Pasig City. According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the charges were submitted to the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and involve violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The case stems from an NBI operation targeting a venue in Pasig City where agents rescued 54 women believed to be victims of human trafficking. The women were allegedly forced to work under the guise of “customer care assistants,” a role that involved providing sexual services to clients. Customers were reportedly charged between PHP 10,000 and PHP 20,000 for these illicit services.

Based on the investigation, authorities identified the Bleu Hotel in Pasig City as the location linked to the alleged trafficking activities. The NBI stated that Julie Defensor, who serves as chairman of Zerrin Development Corp., and her son Miguel were named as managers of the hotel. The agency similarly cited evidence suggesting interlocking ownership, directorship, and management between the hotel and the establishment where the raid occurred.

NBI Director Matibag emphasized that the evidence against the respondents is strong and urged them to defend themselves in court. He noted that the case is part of the bureau’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and hold accountable those involved in such illegal activities.

In response, Julie Defensor denied any connection to the establishment, calling the allegations “baseless” and “politically motivated.” She maintained that her family has no involvement in the operations of the targeted venue and described attempts to link them to the raid as “a deliberate, dangerous and desperate lie.”

The NBI has indicated that it will also examine the business permits of Cliff Point Square, the owner of the lot leased by Bleu Hotel, which is situated on a portion of government property in Pasig City that previously hosted the “Payanig” attraction.

Key Takeaways

• The NBI filed charges against Julie Defensor and Miguel Defensor for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
• The charges are linked to a raid that rescued 54 women from an establishment in Pasig City where they were allegedly forced to provide sexual services.
• Authorities identified the Bleu Hotel in Pasig City as connected to the alleged operation, with Julie and Miguel Defensor named as its managers.
• Julie Defensor has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
• The NBI affirmed that the evidence against the respondents is strong and urged them to seek legal redress in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific charges were filed against Julie and Miguel Defensor?

The NBI filed charges against Julie Defensor and her son Miguel for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, in connection with a human trafficking operation uncovered during a raid on an establishment in Pasig City.

How many victims were rescued in the raid?

According to the NBI, 54 women were rescued during the operation and are believed to be victims of human trafficking.

What role did the Bleu Hotel play in the case?

The NBI stated that the Bleu Hotel in Pasig City was identified as the location linked to the alleged trafficking activities, with Julie Defensor and her son Miguel named as its managers.

What has been the response from the Defensor family?

Julie Defensor has denied any connection to the establishment, describing the allegations as baseless, politically motivated, and a “deliberate, dangerous and desperate lie.”

What law is being applied in this case?

The case is being prosecuted under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which penalizes acts of human trafficking, and exploitation.