ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Sunday revealed that its operatives rescued at least 29 individuals allegedly victims of human trafficking at Bongao Pier in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi province.
NFWM commander Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor said that the individuals who were seeking greener pasture arrived earlier in Bongao town and were temporarily residing near the port.
During a follow-up operation, the NFWM were able to rescue eight others aboard the M/V Ever Queen of Asia upon her dock at Bongao Pier on Thursday.
The vessel originated from Zamboanga City and was bound for Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi and docked at Port of Bongao.
“These individuals were rescued at Bongao Pier on Thursday, thwarting their attempt to be trafficked to Malaysia through a motorized pump boat without any documents for travel and employment,” Miraflor said.
He added that the victims were en-route to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia via the backdoor channel, where they will be met by a certain “Pah Assi” and “Rosalinda Sonor,” both of whom are known to residents of Kota Kinabalu.
Upon reaching their destination, they were to be fetched by a certain “Winda,” who was already waiting in Malaysia for their arrival.
“Allegedly, the victims were promised employment opportunities in Malaysia luring them with the prospects of immediate jobs upon their arrival,” the NFWM commander said.
The rescued victims of trafficking immediately underwent thorough profiling and documentation by officials of the Bongao Municipal Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking.
Subsequently, they were turned over to the care of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in Bongao to ensure their proper handling and disposition.
“The rescue operation serves as a testament to the dedication and vigilance of the NFWM and their partners in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals at risk of human trafficking,” Miraflor said.
“It also underscores the importance of continuous cooperation among different agencies to effectively combat and prevent such illicit activities in the future,” he added.