The Philippine Coast Guard announced that 19 victims of human trafficking were successfully rescued in Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost province of the Philippines.
The Coast Guard stated that these victims were found on a roll-on/roll-off ship at Bongao Port in Tawi-Tawi Province, discussing plans to travel to Malaysia when they were discovered by law enforcement officers.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard mentioned that a maritime patrol noticed a group of passengers discussing, which led them to investigate further.
Upon questioning, these suspected victims admitted they were attempting to illegally enter Sabah, Malaysia, through the "backdoor" without the necessary travel documents.
After the investigation, these victims were sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further processing. The Coast Guard added that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (MIACAT) was also involved in the investigation of this case. Previously, 22 undocumented individuals attempting to travel to Malaysia were rescued in this province in August.
In August alone, approximately 140 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued in Tawi-Tawi Province.
To reduce smuggling and human trafficking, Miral, the head of the International Relations Department of the Mindanao Development Authority, stated that there are plans to open an official maritime route connecting Bongao Town in Tawi-Tawi Province with Lahad Datu Town in Sabah, Malaysia.
Miral pointed out that any passengers using this route must present a passport and other necessary travel documents.
