The Pasig City government has ordered the closure of Bleu Hotel, an establishment linked to the family of former lawmaker Mike Defensor, following a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raid that uncovered alleged human trafficking and prostitution activities. The closure order, dated April 27, 2026, was issued after 54 women were rescued during the April 21 operation.

The hotel, operated by Zerrin Development Corporation, was cited for grave violations of its business permit conditions after investigators found evidence of sexual exploitation and illegal recruitment. According to the NBI, the trafficking scheme involved women being recruited and presented at a nightclub before being taken to hotel rooms where sexual services were allegedly sold for ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 per encounter.

Corporate records obtained by authorities list Defensor’s wife, Julie, as president of Zerrin Development Corporation and their son Miguel as treasurer. Both were included in complaints filed before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).

The NBI emphasized that accountability extends beyond day-to-day operators to owners and incorporators of establishments used for trafficking. “Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes under Philippine law. It exploits the vulnerable, strips individuals of their dignity, and turns human lives into sources of profit,” the bureau said in its statement.

Julie Defensor has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and “malicious.” She argued that her family has “absolutely no connection to the targeted establishment or its operations” and described the case as a political vendetta. Former congressman Mike Defensor also claimed that his family had divested from the hotel years ago, saying another group has been operating it since 2019.

The Pasig City government stressed that the closure order was issued “in the interest of public welfare and safety” pending resolution of the complaints. The case remains under investigation, with all parties entitled to due process before any final determination of liability is made.

This development highlights the government’s intensified crackdown on trafficking networks and illegal establishments, while also sparking political controversy given Defensor’s opposition ties. The outcome of the case will depend on the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office and subsequent judicial proceedings.