Jonny Barker. Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities rescued twelve individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking from a boat docked at a private wharf in Zamboanga City on Monday evening. The vessel was preparing to depart for Sabah, Malaysia, when it was intercepted at Taha Wharf in Barangay Baliwasan around 7:40 p.m.
Lt. Col. Mario Bacquiran Jr., the acting chief of the Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit, stated that they acted on a tip-off from officials in Zamboanga Sibugay regarding the illegal operation taking place at the wharf. The group comprised five women and seven men, who had reportedly traveled from Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay with plans to illegally enter Malaysia.
Following their rescue, the victims were handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for appropriate processing before being reunited with their families.
The issue of human trafficking, particularly from Mindanao to Malaysia, remains a pressing concern. Many individuals from the region are lured by false promises of employment and better living conditions. However, upon arrival, they often find themselves trapped in exploitative situations. This trend highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and stronger measures to combat trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable populations seeking better opportunities abroad.
