Two Women Rescued from Human Trafficking Ring in Southern Philippines
In a decisive operation, authorities successfully rescued two individuals believed to be potential victims of trafficking in persons (TIP) at Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The rescue, which took place on Thursday, November 20, was confirmed by the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) in a statement released on Saturday, November 22.
The Airport Rescue Operation
The PNP-MG operatives sprang into action around 12:30 p.m. on November 20. The rescue was initiated after the police unit received a critical intelligence report. This report indicated the possible presence of trafficking victims on a passenger flight that originated from Manila and was scheduled to travel to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, with stopovers in either Cagayan de Oro City or Zamboanga City.
The two rescued women were identified as:
- Alias "Mary," 38 years old, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila.
- Alias "Stelle," 28 years old, from Consolacion, Cebu.
An investigation revealed that the victims were under the control of their contact, who had given them specific instructions to ride a tricycle to a designated area upon landing in Bongao. This level of direction is a classic indicator of control and exploitation used by traffickers.
The Backdoor Channel and False Promises
During their interview with the focal person of the Bongao Municipal Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the two women disclosed the alarming details of their planned journey. They confessed that their ultimate goal was to cross into another country via a backdoor channel.
According to the PNP-MG statement, their travel and other expenses were funded by a Filipina known only by the alias "Rose," who is currently residing in Malaysia. This recruiter had promised them immediate employment upon their arrival in the neighboring country, a common lure in human trafficking schemes.
Aftermath and Protective Custody
Following their rescue, the two women were immediately brought to the 1st Special Operations Unit Headquarters of the PNP-MG in Tawi-Tawi for the necessary documentation and processing of their case. To ensure their safety and well-being, they were subsequently turned over to the Bongao Ministry of Social Services and Development, Tawi-Tawi. The agency is now responsible for providing them with proper care, support, and disposition as they recover from their ordeal.
This incident highlights the ongoing and vigilant efforts of Philippine authorities to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
