MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-four victims of human trafficking were rescued in Basilan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday.
According to the PCG, the victims, bound for Malaysia, were rescued at the Barangay Shipyard Main in Maluso, Basilan on Friday, 4:30 a.m., after the local police conducted operations.
Based on investigation, the victims, aged 11 to 60, are living in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, Misamis Occidental, and Basilan.
The PCG-Isabela and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of Maluso in Basilan assisted the 24 victims on Sunday for their return to their residences.
They boarded the MV Ciara Joie 8 at 9:45 a.m. and were expected to dock in Zamboanga City.
The DSWD of Zamboanga City will temporarily accommodate the human trafficking victims and coordinate their transportation back home.
RELATED STORIES:
Duterte OKs law strengthening anti-human trafficking law
BI intercepts suspected human trafficking victims in Clark, Pampanga
Woman accused of human trafficking arrested in QC