Pub owner got aunt to pose as lover

Come to Singapore to work as a pub entertainer and you could earn a weekly commission of 20,000 pesos (S$570).

A Filipino model claimed that when she received this offer, it was too tempting to turn down as the money would help her parents and her four-year-old son. She was allegedly told that she could choose to have sex with customers.

Now, Singaporean pub owner Robin James Chua, his Filipino girlfriend, Fraulline May Soria, and her aunt, Lurlie Soria, are facing charges of human trafficking in the Philippines.

The trio and the model, Ms Jeremay Buenaventura, 22, were interviewed by immigration authorities as they were leaving for Singapore at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu last month.

The authorities became suspicious when the four gave inconsistent statements. They arrested Chua and his two alleged accomplices.

They are now facing charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1996.

Court documents revealed that they were not licensed or authorised to recruit Filipino workers for overseas employment.

They are accused of trying to recruit women through means or use of fraud or deception, and taking advantage of their vulnerability under the pretext of overseas employment, without licence or authority, for the purpose of exploitation.

The court documents said Ms Buenaventura, an events model, was introduced to Fraulline Soria after she had told her manager about wanting to work abroad as a model.

On Oct 7, she met Soria and Chua.

Five other women hoping to work in Singapore were also at the meeting. Ms Buenaventura, who was named in court documents as the victim-complainant, said Soria offered her a job as an entertainer in Chua's pub.

Earning Commission

There would be no fixed monthly salary but she would earn commission from the "ladies' drinks" ordered by customers.

She said in her affidavit: "I asked if part of my job is to be taken out by customers for sex.

"She replied that I may choose to have sex with customers who will become my boyfriend (sic).

"I was enticed and convinced by the offer... because they (Soria and Chua) assured me that I will earn a weekly commission of about 20,000 pesos. "I believed that such income is a substantial amount (and) will be of help to my parents in Cebu City and my four year- old son."

She said she was instructed to go to a hotel on Oct 12, where she received a plane ticket and some pocket money from Soria and Chua.

Ms Buenaventura said she also met Lurlie Soria, who was introduced to her as Soria's aunt.

"Chua instructed me and Lurlie Soria to pose as lovers since Lurlie Soria can pass off as a 'tomboy' although she is not," she said.

Soria then briefed her on what to say to the immigration officers and warned her not to reveal that she knew Soria and Chua.

"I was supposed to make it appear that I was travelling with Lurlie Soria on a brief lovers' vacation to Singapore."

He's not into illegal stuff, says friend

Checks with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority here show Robin James Chua listed as a director and managing director of Rapids PRD, a pub at Tanjong Pagar Road, since 2005.

When The New Paper visited the pub at about 8pm on Monday, it was quiet with only one table occupied.

Chua's arrest in the Philippines has shocked Mr Ivan Koh, 40, his business partner and long-time friend.

Mr Koh said Chua left for the Philippines on Oct 6, and they have been in contact since his arrest about a month ago.

"I've known Robin for 18 years and he's a nice person who does not do illegal stuff," he said.

"When it comes to doing business, he's a straightforward guy and has never owed anyone money."

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