At least eight would-be victims of trafficking in persons were rescued and three alleged facilitators were arrested in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

According to the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga, the operation carried out by various agencies stemmed from an intelligence report and sustained surveillance about an alleged “backdoor” trafficking scheme.

With the scheme, authorities said facilitators were allegedly providing individuals with fraudulent identification documents to enable them to buy sea vessel tickets and leave the country eventually.

The individuals rescued were referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for assessment, evaluation, and intervention.

On the other hand, the arrested alleged facilitators were turned over to the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) for investigation.

They will face charges for alleged large-scale illegal recruitment under RA 10022 and violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208).

“The Philippine Coast Guard and its partner agencies remain steadfast in protecting vulnerable individuals, preventing trafficking and illegal recruitment, and strengthening inter-agency efforts against organized maritime-related criminal activities,” CGS Zamboanga said.

In a Facebook post, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said four women were rescued during the operation.

“Timely and validated intelligence gathered by our Coast Guard intelligence personnel enabled the joint operatives to act before the victims could be further exposed to exploitation,” Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) Commander, Commodore Rejard Marfe, said.