REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
21 Victims Of Human Trafficking In Tawi-Tawi Rescued
Photo credit: Naval Forces Western Mindanao
Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City - The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies and the Municipal Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (MIACAT) - Tawi-Tawi to execute a successful operation that led to the rescue of 21 individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking. The operation took place at Bongao Pier in Brgy. Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on August 10, 2023.
The rescued individuals were intercepted at Bongao Pier, foiling an apparent attempt to traffic them to Malaysia using a motorized pump boat. These victims had no travel or employment documents, having been enticed by the promise of immediate job opportunities upon reaching Malaysia. The traffickers had arranged for their pick-up in Malaysia by an individual known as "Winda."
As the operation continued, an additional eight individuals were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. These individuals were discovered aboard the MV Ever Queen of Asia, a vessel that had originated from Zamboanga City and was en route to Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. The vessel had docked at Bongao Pier, where the potential victims were found. These individuals, recognized as Trafficking in Persons (TIPs), were believed to be on their way to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to meet with two known figures, "Pah Assi" and "Rosalinda Sonor."
Following their rescue, the victims underwent comprehensive profiling and documentation by MIACAT-Tawi-Tawi. Subsequently, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi assumed responsibility for their well-being and proper care.
The rescued individuals were intercepted at Bongao Pier, foiling an apparent attempt to traffic them to Malaysia using a motorized pump boat. These victims had no travel or employment documents, having been enticed by the promise of immediate job opportunities upon reaching Malaysia. The traffickers had arranged for their pick-up in Malaysia by an individual known as "Winda."
As the operation continued, an additional eight individuals were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. These individuals were discovered aboard the MV Ever Queen of Asia, a vessel that had originated from Zamboanga City and was en route to Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. The vessel had docked at Bongao Pier, where the potential victims were found. These individuals, recognized as Trafficking in Persons (TIPs), were believed to be on their way to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to meet with two known figures, "Pah Assi" and "Rosalinda Sonor."
Following their rescue, the victims underwent comprehensive profiling and documentation by MIACAT-Tawi-Tawi. Subsequently, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi assumed responsibility for their well-being and proper care.
Aug 14, 2023
