22 rescued, including 5 minors, in trafficking ops in Tawi-Tawi

Authorities rescued 22 people, including five minors, during an anti-human trafficking operation in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Members of the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) and other law enforcement units launched the operation after receiving a tip that several passengers were bound for Malaysia via backdoor entry points.

Authorities noticed several individuals appeared anxious during verification of passengers on board a vessel from Zamboanga City.

They were then brought to the Tawi-Tawi MARPSTA headquarters for further investigation.

Investigation revealed that the group had no legal documents and reportedly admitted that they planned to travel to different areas in Malaysia, including Sempornah, Kunak, Kota Kinabalu, Segama Lahad Datu, and Pangkalakan.

According to the PNP-Maritime Group, the group's trip was reportedly arranged by fellow Filipinos without proper documentation in Malaysia.

Some of them were traveling with their children or minor relatives they also intended to bring to Malaysia.

After investigation, they were turned over to the Ministry of Social Services and Development Office for counseling and other interventions.

"Patuloy ang paalala ng PNP Maritime Group sa publiko na maging mapanuri sa mga alok na trabaho sa ibang bansa, lalo na kung walang malinaw na dokumento. Agad i-report sa mga awtoridad ang anumang kahina-hinalang aktibidad kaugnay sa human trafficking," PNP-Maritime Group said. — GMA Regional TV