DOCUMENTATION. An official of the local inter-agency committee against human trafficking conducted documentation on the rescued individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on Saturday (April 27, 2024). At least 14 human trafficking victims bound for Malaysia aboard a sea vessel were rescued during the operation. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BAR)
CAMP S.K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao Norte – Government forces and members of the Municipal Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (MIACAT) rescued 14 potential victims of human trafficking in Bongao port in Tawi-Tawi province over the weekend, officials said Monday.
Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said the police and other law enforcement units conducted the rescue mission after receiving a tip about a group of individuals traveling to Sabah, Malaysia, via the so-called “southern backdoor” aboard M/V Ever Queen of Asia from Zamboanga City.
“They failed to present legal documents about their travel to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan in Malaysia," Tanggawohn said, adding that the “rescued” individuals are now under the custody of the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) sub-office in Bongao.
Police and MIACAT are currently working on ensuring their safe return to their families and places of origin. (PNA)
