ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities rescued more than 100 human trafficking victims who were made to endure forced labor in Tubalubac Island, Barangay Aluh Bunah, Pangutaran, Sulu on Tuesday, September 19.
A Philippine Navy report said the victims were rescued inside the house of a certain “Jammang.”
The victims were described as natives of Cebu and Bohol who were made to engage in spearfishing activities under threat.
Initial investigation showed that Jammang and his cohorts used high-powered firearms to threaten the victims and allegedly forced them to use illegal drugs to be able to endure dismal working conditions.
Police seized 10 grams of suspected shabu, several high-powered firearms, ammunition, blasting caps, and a time fuse from Jammang’s house.
Victims were turned over to the custody of the Ministry of Social Services and Development-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for documentation.
Police are conducting further investigation.