13 women rescued from suspected traffickers

MANILA, Philippines—Thirteen women, mostly in their 20s, were rescued from likely white slavery when Philippine Marines intercepted their illegal shipment from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan to Malaysia, the military said Friday.

Their male guide, identified as Mattarasak Gani from Brooke’s Point, Palawan, was apprehended by members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 (MBLT12).

Acting on a tip, the MBLT12 troops together with the barangay captain, Pistoh Hamjah, found the group of young women last Tuesday around 5 p.m. while they were in North Mangsee in barangay Balabac in Puerto Princesa City.

The women, aged 20 to 31, came from various parts of Metro Manila and Luzon and were reportedly about to attempt to illegally enter Malaysia from North Mangsee.

“The 13 women are believed to be victims of human trafficking. They were brought to AFP Western Command Hospital together with their guide on November 25 for medical examination and debriefing before they will be turned over to proper authorities,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay said.