‘Trafficking victim’ remains missing

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is searching for one of the suspected victims of human trafficking who went missing after their motorized boat capsized in Palawan on June 8. 

Ensign Mark Joseph Bajao of the PCG Palawan District said only one person remains missing after the boat captain was spotted alive in Barangay Bancalaan, Balabac town.

Of the 11 people onboard the MBCA Kumpit, nine were rescued, one died and another went missing. On the boat were the captain and nine passengers composed of six women and three men.

Bajao said the passengers claimed they were bound for Malaysia when they figured in the sea accident.

“This raised the possibility that the passengers were victims of trafficking,” the PCG said. 

Investigation showed the passengers were picked up by a white van when they arrived in Puerto Princesa.

After seven hours, the passengers said they were transferred to a tricycle that brought them to a coastal area where they boarded the Kumpit.

The passengers said the boat developed engine trouble and drifted.

They said the skipper jumped overboard supposedly to seek help, but did not return.