MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center and the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Saturday rescued seven victims of human trafficking in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
According to WCPC OIC Col. Portia D. Manalad, the seven were found on board M/V Trisha Kerstin II, a passenger vessel from Bongao that arrived at the Zamboanga City seaport 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The victims, who had no documents, were on their way to Sabah, Malaysia when intercepted. They will be turned over to the Processing Center for Displaced Person of the DSWD 9.
Manalad said the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission headed by Executive Director Gilbert DC Cruz is assisting the PNP-WCPC in investigating the syndicate behind the foiled attempt to smuggle the victims to Sabah.
Police said human trafficking rings have gained notoriety for smuggling Filipinas to Sabah, including minors. Some of the victims are forced to work in bars turned prostitution joints.
