HUMAN trafficking victims were rescued in Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Fourteen human trafficking victims were intercepted and rescued by authorities at the Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi province on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The group composed of 12 women and two men hailed from Luzon and Visayas and were on their way to Sandakan, Malaysia for employment.
They made their way to Zamboanga City and travelled to Tawi-Tawi via air transportation, the first time human traffickers used this to transport their potential victims in an effort to evade authorities.
The victims were documented and handed over to the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in Bongao where they will receive the necessary support and assistance for their recovery and reintegration.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), lauded operating units for their rapid response and effective collaboration.