National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives on Wednesday arrested an 84-year-old Lebanese national for allegedly molesting one of three female minors brought by a tourist van operator to his room at a resort in Tagbilaran City.

The suspect, Guiragos Tarakjian, was charged with violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (use of trafficked persons) and RA 7610, otherwise known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law. Meanwhile, a human trafficking case was filed against tourist van operator Handel Sarabosing, 53, for allegedly taking the three girls, two of them aged 12 and the other 13, to Tarakjian who was inside his resort room.

According to NBI Bohol chief Atty. Renan Oliva, they launched hot pursuit operations against both men and arrested them after parents of the victims reported the incident to the agency’s office in Tagbilaran City.

The allegations were confirmed by the NBI through a closed-circuit television footage provided by the resort.

“Gi-verify namo ang allegation, gi-check namo, tinuod. Klaro sa CCTV na didto g’yud ang mga bata anang puntuha,” said Oliva.

The parents of the victims reportedly knew Sarabosing who told them that Tarakjian was looking for children to assist him with household work. They believed Sarabosing and permitted him to take the children.

Although the three girls were taken inside Tarakjian’s villa, the foreigner only allegedly molested one of them.

“Kadtong foreigner, after giving food to the children, successfully molested one of them…luckily ang duha wa ma hilabti,” said Oliva.

Following the arrest, Oliva reminded parents to be vigilant against sex predators and possible crimes against their children.

“We encourage parents to be vigilant since our place is a tourist destination. Daghan kaayong turista mo ari ‘nya prone kaayo sa mga ingana na crimes,” he said. (wm)