SC Affirms Life Sentence in Human Trafficking, Child Abuse Case Involving Minor’s Death

SC Affirms Life Sentence in Human Trafficking, Child Abuse Case Involving Minor’s Death

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | January 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and life imprisonment sentence of April Jane Banguis Albet for qualified human trafficking and child abuse, stemming from the exploitation of a 16-year-old girl who was lured into prostitution and later found dead. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children.

In a 15-page decision penned by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the Supreme Court’s Second Division affirmed Albet’s guilt under Section 3(a) in relation to Sections 4(a) and 6(a) of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) and Article III, Section 5(a) of Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act).

The case originated in 2016 when Albet allegedly facilitated the minor victim’s sexual exploitation by arranging a meeting with a male customer at a hotel. Albet received a ₱2,000 commission for this referral. Tragically, the victim was subsequently found dead in the hotel room after engaging in sexual activity with the customer.

Albet denied the allegations, but both the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Court of Appeals (CA) found her guilty, citing compelling witness testimony that placed her with the victim at the hotel shortly before her death. Albet then appealed the case to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling, unequivocally affirmed the lower courts’ decisions. The justices found that the prosecution had successfully proven all elements of qualified human trafficking. The court gave significant weight to witness accounts confirming Albet’s role in recruiting and transporting the victim for the purpose of prostitution and sexual exploitation, emphasizing the exploitation of the victim’s age and vulnerability.

“The prosecution has satisfactorily established Albet’s recruitment and transportation of [the victim] for purposes of prostitution and sexual exploitation, taking advantage of her minority and vulnerability,” the Supreme Court stated in its decision.

The court also upheld Albet’s conviction for child abuse under Section 5(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, noting that the law specifically targets individuals who act as procurers of child prostitutes.

Sentencing and Damages:

The Supreme Court sentenced Albet to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₱2,000,000 for qualified human trafficking. In addition, Albet was ordered to pay the victim’s heirs ₱500,000 in moral damages and ₱100,000 in exemplary damages.

For the child abuse conviction, Albet received a sentence of 14 to 20 years imprisonment, along with an order to pay ₱150,000 in damages.

This landmark ruling serves as a stark reminder of the severity of human trafficking and child abuse in the Philippines and underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to delivering justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and the importance of continued vigilance and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.