An alleged human trafficking facilitator was arrested while three potential victims were rescued in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Operatives of the 1st Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maritime Group rescued three women who were believed to be potential victims of human trafficking.

During the operation, the suspected facilitator identified as alias “Jim” was arrested.

Authorities said based on the women’s accounts, they were supposed to be smuggled out of the country through a backdoor route with the help of the suspects alias “Jim” and alias “Sali.”

Police launched an operation, but Sali evaded arrest while Jim escaped. Through continuous intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts, authorities arrested Jim at the Port of Bongao.

“Ito ay malinaw na patunay ng ating matatag na paninindigan na sugpuin ang human trafficking at protektahan ang ating mga kababayan,” PNP-Maritime Group Director, Brigadier General Lou Evangelista, said.