Human trafficking victims rescued

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities reported that at least eight people suspected of being victims of human trafficking were rescued at Bongao Port in Tawi-Tawi while they were on board a boat en route to Semporna in Malaysia through a back door of the federal state.

Acting Director of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) P/Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn revealed on Sunday that the eight suspected human trafficking victims were from Jolo, Sulu.

He added that the Bongao Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (MIACAT) received information about the arrival of the eight people at Bongao Port and immediately coordinated with the police resulting in the rescue of the eight people while the boat, a POSO AK4, docked at the port of Bongao to buy their supplies.

Tanggawohn said the eight did not present any documents allowing them to enter Semporna in Malaysia.

MIACAT immediately rescued the eight and placed them in their protective custody before returning them to their hometown.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Development office in Bongao also assisted the victims by providing them with food and shelter.

Tanggawohn praised the Bongao police for their diligence and collaboration with other authorities in combating human trafficking.