World · Philippines Bureau
Police free teenager held captive over debt in Leyte
Authorities in Leyte rescued a 16-year-old girl on Sunday after she was allegedly confined by companions over an unpaid debt. The teenager was freed following a 911 emergency call to police in Palo.
LSN Philippines ·
Police officers from the Palo Municipal Police Station responded to an emergency distress call and located the minor in Barangay Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte on Sunday. According to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the girl had been prevented from leaving her group of companions due to an outstanding monetary obligation.
The rescue operation was conducted jointly by personnel from the municipal police and the Municipal Social Welfare office. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged unlawful detention and the debt dispute that precipitated the incident.
The teenager was turned over to social welfare authorities for further assistance and protection. Police have not yet identified the individuals allegedly responsible for holding the girl, and the case remains under investigation as authorities work to establish the full details of the incident.