Pasig Shuts Bleu Hotel Tied To Former Rep. Defensor Kin After Trafficking Raid

MANILA, Philippines — The Pasig City government ordered the immediate closure of Bleu Hotel Pasig, an establishment allegedly linked to the wife and daughter of former AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, after a National Bureau of Investigation raid over alleged human trafficking and prostitution.

The city government confirmed the legitimacy of the closure order to The Manila Times on Tuesday evening, April 28.

“Yes, this is legitimate,” the Office of the City Administrator said.

The order, dated April 27, was issued against Zerrin Dev’t Corporation/Bleu Hotel Pasig, located at Cliffpoint Square in the Ortigas Home Depot Complex along J. Vargas Avenue in Ugong.

The document said the April 21 NBI raid inside the premises resulted in the discovery of “serious illegal activities” involving human trafficking and the facilitation of prostitution.

It said the alleged activities violated the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and pertinent provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

The city said the continuation of such unlawful activities inside the establishment constituted a grave violation of the conditions of its business permit and registration with the Business Permit and Licensing Department.

“Pending the resolution of the complaint by the Office of the City Prosecutor-Pasig and in the interest of public welfare and safety, this establishment, Zerrin Dev’t Corp./Bleu Hotel Pasig, is hereby ordered closed,” the order read.

The closure order took effect immediately.

Bleu Hotel drew public attention after the NBI raid, which led to complaints over alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Julie Defensor, wife of the former lawmaker, earlier denied the allegations and said her family had no connection to the targeted establishment or its operations.