CIDG rescues 22 human trafficking victims; alleged recruiters nabbed

MANILA, Philippines—The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) rescued at least 22 human trafficking victims in a ship set to sail to Sandacan Malaysia in Zamboanga City, Police Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Thursday.

Nine female victims who were scheduled to be shipped out to Malaysia at the Mindeva Wharf, in Rio Hondo village, Zamboanga City were rescued at around 4 a.m. The rescuers were the 9th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (9RCIDU) headed by Police Senior Superintendent Mario N. Rariza Jr., and members of the Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (SBATTF), Pagdilao said.

The victims were identified as Lerma Eslabra Gonzales, 32, from Bayambang, Pangasinan; Joylyn Agripa Pacardo, 23; Honelyn Cabontalya Nilmida, 31; Mary Ann Lucimala Nilmida, 30; all from Alcala, Pangasinan; Teresita Waik, 41, from San Gabriel, La Union; Martina Lamsis Omas, 25, of La Trinidad, Benguet; Gennalyn Pancho Rivera, 29, of Cabanatuan, Isabela; and Revelyn Matias Puyao, 24, of La Trinidad, Benguet, said Pagdilao.

A Muhammad Gappal was arrested in the operation.

Ten more female and three male victims who were packed inside the ship, the M/V Danica Joy 2, were rescued in a follow-up operation conducted by the 9RCIDU and the SBATTF at around 3:45 p.m.

The victims were identified by Pagdilao as Alita Villavicencio, 38, of Pavia, Iloilo City; Marissa Dela Cruz, 27, of Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Rachel Olivar, 23, of San Bartolome St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Rocel Cardenas, 32, 32, of Mandaluyong City; Lenny Lorca, 35, of Opra Kalunasan, Cebu City; Mary Ann Yumul, 28; Cherry Ann Florentino, 23, both from Brgy. Sabang, Baliwag, Bulacan; Karen Elaida, 23, of Paranaque City; Mayline Alano, 23, of Laguna; Marilyn Gellang, 24, of Bilison, Antique; Reynante Tesilo, 37; Harlie Caalam, 23, and Fernando de Leon, 34; all of Candelaria, Quezon.

Pagdilao quoted Rariza as saying that victims were mostly recruited from provinces around many Luzon, and transported from Manila to Zamboanga City, They were taken to a pension house operated by the syndicate where they were temporarily held prior to being shipped to Sandacan, Malaysia.

The victims were brought to a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) branch in San Roque, Zamboanga City. Charges of violation of Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed against Gapal, Medoza, and the other suspects, Pagdilao said.