24 Malaysia-bound human trafficking victims rescued in Basilan

At least 24 Filipino would be-victims of human trafficking who were bound for Malaysia were rescued in Basilan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Sunday.

In a report, PCG said the rescue operation was conducted by the Maluso municipal police at Barangay Shipyard Main in Maluso, Basilan last July 15.

Investigation showed that the victims ranged in age from 11 to 60 and are residents of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, Misamis Occidental, and Basilan.

The victims, however, had to wait for two more days before they were finally escorted by the PCG.

On Sunday, PCG Station Isabela assisted the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the safe and swift transportation of the victims at Port of Isabela City, Basilan.

They boarded MV Ciara Joie 8 at 09:45 a.m. and arrived in Zamboanga City at around 11:30 a.m.

“The TIP (Trafficking in Person) victims remain under the custody of DSWD-Zamboanga City while coordination with their respective families is ongoing,” the Coast Guard said. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News