38 Filipinos rescued, 3 arrested in anti-human trafficking op in Zamboanga

On Friday, authorities conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in Zamboanga City, rescuing 38 Filipinos and arresting three suspected illegal recruiters.

The victims were found aboard the wooden-hulled ferry ML J-Sayang, which was intercepted on August 9 while heading to Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi.

Among those rescued were 22 adult women, two underage girls, 12 adult men, and two underage boys from various parts of the country.

The suspects arrested came from Antipolo City, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga City.

These victims had been lured by false job promises in China and Malaysia and previously intercepted by immigration authorities but were rerouted through clandestine channels.

Investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible for the illegal activity.

The rescued individuals have been transferred to a processing center run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Barangay Mampang.