21 alleged human trafficking victims rescued in Tawi-Tawi —military

Twenty-one suspected human trafficking victims were rescued at Bongao Pier in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last week, according to the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM).

In a statement, the NFWM said 13 of the victims were about to be trafficked to Malaysia through a motorized pump boat without any documents for travel and employment.

“Allegedly, the victims were promised employment opportunities in Malaysia luring them with the prospects of immediate jobs upon their arrival,” the NFWM said.

“Upon reaching their destination, they were to be fetched by a person identified as ‘Winda’, who was already waiting in Malaysia,” it added.

Eight of the 21 victims, meanwhile, were aboard a passenger ferry from Zamboanga City going to Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi that docked at the Port of Bongao.

“These identified Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were en route via backdoor channel to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where they will be met by certain individuals named ‘Pah Assi’ and ‘Rosalinda Sonor,’ both of whom are known to reside there,” the NFWM said.

The victims underwent thorough profiling and documentation and were turned over to the Ministry of Social Services and Development for their proper handling and disposition, according to the NFWM. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News