PNP-ACG: Over 1,000 human trafficking victims rescued in Pampanga

Around 1,000 people of different nationalities, who were allegedly forced to work for cyber fraud, were rescued in Clark, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said Friday.

The rescued individuals include 389 Vietnamese, 307 Chinese, 171 Filipinos, 143 Indonesians, 40 Nepalese, 25 Malaysians, seven Burmese, five Thai, and two Taiwanese nationals.

“This is a case of human trafficking,” ACG spokesperson Police Lieutenant Michelle Sabino told reporters in a message.

Based on the investigation, the PNP said the victims were forced into working for a fraudulent cyber-enabled industry, victimizing their fellow citizens.

Sabino said the victims were rescued at the Colorful and Leap Group Company located at Clark Sun Valley Hub, Jose Abad Santos Ave in Mabalacat City on Thursday evening.

“All victims will remain here while waiting for their embassy to process their papers back to their country,” she said. 

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they will coordinate with other agencies to hold the perpetrators accountable.

"We must all unite in this fight against human trafficking and help put an end to this inhumane practice," he said.

"The PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminating human trafficking in the Philippines and pledges to transform the country into a secure place where Filipinos and foreign nationals alike can thrive, explore, and conduct business without fear," he added.

The public is also advised to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking to the nearest police station or through the PNP Anti-Trafficking in Persons Hotline at 1343. 

Aside from PNP-ACG, personnel from the Special Action Force (SAF), and Intelligence Group (IG), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Immigration, and Interagency Council on Anti-Trafficking also joined the operation, the PNP said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News