At least 16 alleged victims of human trafficking on an island in Tawi-Tawi were rescued in separate operations.

The 16 were rescued through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) of the Ministry of Social Services and Development-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) together with the Sulu Provincial Social Welfare Office, police, and Philippine Marines.

The alleged victims are residents of Talibon, Bohol.

According to the MSSD, the first group of seven victims were rescued after they managed to escape to Sulu.

They claimed they were reportedly deceived by false promises of employment but ended up in exploitative conditions, work without pay, and inhumane treatment.

They were welcomed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 upon arrival at Cebu Port on June 16, 2025. DSWD-7 conducted case intake and assessment to determine their needs.

The group reported that more victims were still on the island, prompting authorities to launch another operation.

During the follow-up operation, nine more victims were rescued and were flown to Cebu.

The 16 individuals have been turned over to the local government of Talibon, where they will continue to receive psychosocial intervention, livelihood assistance, and other reintegration services.

“Ipinapakita ng operasyong ito ang matibay na ugnayan at koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pagtugon sa mga kaso ng human trafficking at pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga kababayan natin, sa loob man o labas ng rehiyon ng Bangsamoro,” MSSD-BARMM said.