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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Police rescue 7 minors from human trafficking

Police rescue 7 minors from human trafficking

Published Apr 1, 2026 06:02 pm
DEMEREY (Nilo Demerey FB page)
DEMEREY (Nilo Demerey FB page)
BUTUAN CITY – Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. lauded police in Dinagat Islands and Davao City for rescuing seven minors, victims of human trafficking, officials announced Wednesday.
Based on a report from the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO), seven minors – six boys and one girl aged 16 to 18 from Barangays Poblacion, Aurelio, and Matingbe in San Jose – were transported by a recruiter to Davao City on March 29.
The suspect was identified as Marilou Perez Eviota, a widow and resident of Barangay Matingbe.
Investigation revealed that the minors were recruited for work in a store in Davao City with promises of high pay.
When the minors were transported on the morning of March 29 without parental consent, a concerned friend of one of the victims reported the travel to a parent, who was able to contact her son via mobile phone. The victim told his mother they were traveling to Davao City and identified Eviota as their companion.
The mother proceeded to the recruiter's residence to ask for a contact number, but failed. She also could not gather enough information about her son's recruitment or the promised work in Davao City.
That evening, the mother reported the incident to the police, who coordinated with Police Station No. 115 in Ecoland, Davao City. The suspect was immediately intercepted, and the seven minors were rescued later that evening.
The victims were turned over to a city social worker in Ecoland for processing and proper disposition.
"We commend the prompt action of the PNP in Dinagat Islands and Davao City for the rescue of the victims," Demerey said in a message.
He added that a team from the provincial government is arranging the victims' travel from Davao City back to Dinagat Islands.
Demerey noted that charges will be filed against the suspect for taking the minors without parental consent.
"Our children, especially the minors, should be in school, not in workplaces. The provincial government is now working to establish a public college to ensure that our youth can receive a college education. We are also strengthening our skills training programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority," Demerey said. (PNA)

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Human trafficking Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. Davao City Dinagat Islands Davao City
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