4 minors rescued from alleged trafficking attempt at Davao Airport

Four minors were rescued from being trafficked to Manila to work as waitresses and helpers, according to a 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman on Wednesday.

The victims—a 14-year-old, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old—were rescued while trying to catch a flight to Manila at the Davao International Airport with a companion. Their two alleged recruiters were arrested.

According to the PNP , the four intended to work upon arriving in Manila.

“Gagawin silang waitress sa isang club. Yung ibang gagawing kasambahay at pinangakuan ng sweldo. Kung meron [man] consent ang mga magulang, even then di pa rin allowed 'yun,” said PNP Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano.

(They would have been put to work as waitresses in a club. The others would be helpers and were promised salaries. Even if there had been consent from their parents, it's still not allowed.)

He added that there had been a recent decrease in the trafficking of minors compared to the previous year.

“It lessened naman kasi yung exposure din, tapos na e-educate yung mga kababayan natin, lalo na yung mga nabibiktima,” said Abrahano.

(It lessened because of the exposure, and the public is being educated on it, especially the victims)

The four minors have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while a case is being prepared against the two suspects. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News