ZAMBOANGA CITY — An inter-agency operation led by the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), through Joint Task Force Poseidon, successfully rescued five victims of human trafficking and arrested the suspect in Zamboanga City, an official said Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The WMNC withheld the identities of the rescued victims, which include two adult females and three minors, who are residents of Zamboanga City and Basilan province. The rescued victims have been placed under the protective custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to the WMNC, the victims were rescued in an intelligence-driven operation conducted on Wednesday, May 20, in Calarian village, Zamboanga City. The suspect, identified only as alias Josephine, was arrested and will face charges for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Coordination and Commitment
“The successful conduct of the operation highlights the strong coordination and interoperability among law enforcement, military, and partner agencies in safeguarding vulnerable sectors and addressing human trafficking in Western Mindanao,” the WMNC said in a statement. The WMNC emphasized that together with its partner agencies, they remain steadfast in intensifying collaborative efforts against human trafficking and all forms of exploitation to ensure the safety and welfare of communities across Western Mindanao.
