The DOJ has once again sunk its teeth of justice after the Dagupan City RTC found Jenny Dela Cruz San Pedro guilty beyond reasonable doubt of trafficking a minor neighbor.

In a 22-page Decision, the RTC sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for violating Section 1(a), qualified by Section 6(a) of RA No. 9208, as amended by RA No. 10364, (an act aimed to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children) or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

In addition, accused was fined P2,000,000.00, and ordered to pay private complainant P500,000.00 as moral damages and P100,000.00 as exemplary damages.

The accused forced her 17-year-old neighbor to accompany her to a lodge where an old man was waiting. The man eventually forced himself onto the victim, saying she was already paid for and gave the child a measly P120.00 after the act.

Justice Secretary Emmanuel L. Caparas lauded Prosecutor Editha Segundo for the successful conviction, saying "Prosecutor Segundo took to heart the case of our minor victim and saw to it that justice was served against the perpetrator who took advantage of the child's trust and vulnerability."