Authorities rescued five people in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi who allegedly attempted to enter Malaysia in search of jobs.

According to the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the rescue operation was launched after the Mapun Maritime Police Station relayed information on Sunday, March 8, 2026, that the victims – two women and three men - were spotted at the Mapun Pier, attempting to travel “backdoor” to Sabah, Malaysia.

During assessment and interview, the group told authorities that they intended to seek employment in Malaysia but lacked proper documents such as passports.

MSSD said four of the victims are relatives from Zamboanga City while one is a resident of Lamitan City, Basilan.

MSSD personnel subjected the victims to counseling to explain the serious risks of illegal migration and the dangers of abuse, labor exploitation, and lack of legal protection abroad.

The victims received hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and welfare goods as part of the immediate assistance from MSSD.

The local government of Mapun is taking care of the victim-survivors while arrangements are being made for their safe return to their respective hometowns.

MSSD said the intervention was carried out under the agency’s Humanitarian Assistance and Transfer for Individuals in Distress (HATID) Program, which aims to protect locally stranded individuals (LSIs), returning Filipinos from Sabah (REFs), and other vulnerable sectors.