18 human trafficking victims rescued in Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least 18 people, including three minors, who are victims of human trafficking, some of them recruited through the social networking site Facebook were rescued by police authorities in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Tawi-Tawi Police provincial director said one of the suspects was also apprehended during the raid of a safe house Friday by the joint elements of the police and provincial social welfare and development office. 

The victims said the apprehended suspect even hid them in a ferry to evade the raiding authorities.

The rescued victims have been turned over to the social welfare office to facilitate their transfer to their places of origins.

Jocson said some of the victims have just returned from Sabah, Malaysia while the others were about to leave also for Malaysia where they were promised jobs as waitresses. 

He said the raid was conducted following reports that some of the victims have raised doubts on their recruitment.

Jocson said investigation showed that some of the victims were given electronic tickets without paying placement fees and providing pertinent documents such as passport.