11-08-2025
38 alleged human trafficking victims rescued, 3 suspects nabbed in Zamboanga City
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said 38 Filipinos were rescued and three suspected illegal recruiters were arrested in an operation in Zamboanga City over the weekend.
In a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III said authorities on August 9 intercepted ML J-Sayang which was heading to Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi.
'Nailigtas ang 38 na individual—22 kababaihang nasa hustong taong gulang, dalawang menor na edad na babae, 12 na kalalakihang nasa hustong taong gulang, at dalawang menor na lalaki,' Torre said.
(We rescued 38 individuals—22 adult women, two underage girls, 12 adult men, and two underage boys.)
These individuals, who came from different areas across the country, are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Three suspected illegal recruiters were arrested in the operation, coming from Antipolo City, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga City.
According to Torre, authorities believed that the rescued individuals were going to be transported through the 'backdoor' route to Sabah, Malaysia. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA Integrated News
