PCG turns over rescued trafficking victims to DSWD

The Philippine Coastguard on Monday turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development the 23 human trafficking victims they rescued in Tawi-Tawi. (Photo courtesy: Zamboanga Coastguard Station) 

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr  

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) on Monday turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) the 23 human trafficking victims they recently intercepted aboard a vessel near the country’s border with Malaysia.

Lt. Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said the victims were rescued on August 20 off Tawi-Tawi and were turned over to the DSWD on Monday.

The victims were escorted by PCG personnel during their travel aboard a wooden-hulled ferry, M/L Fatima, from Tawi-Tawi to this city.

Ramos said the PCG personnel were conducting patrol when they intercepted the victims aboard M/L Fatima near Bakungan Island in the municipality of Turtle Islands.

Ramos said the victims failed to present valid travel documents when they conducted onboard inspection.

Further investigation showed that the vessel was headed for Sandakan, Sabah--a Malaysian state that the Philippines has dormant claim on--via Boan Island, where their contact person was supposed to fetch them.

Ramos identified the rescued victims as Gemma Malicay, 34, Lavern Garcia, 27, Rofel Ticon, 24, Vivian Sagang, 45, Jeston Sagang, 22, Velardo Sagang, 48, Johny Boy Alpay, 29, Zamboanga del Norte; Luwela Bajao, 34, Reindon Binarao, 21, Zamboanga Sibugay; Arsenia Dela Cerna, 53, Yolanda Minas, 46, Zamboanga del Sur;

Elbert Castro, 25, Emelinda Escultor, 41, Zamboanga City; Ralife Ticon, 30, Chilo Arnuco, 34, Misamis Occidental; Teresita Pacunla, 48, Lanao del Norte; Lenie Joy Canalan, 25, South Cotabato; Gay Gablac, 23, Davao Oriental; Romeo Argallon, 50, Davao del Norte; Virginia De Asis, 45, Bohol; Harib Vilara, 29, Cebu, Luzviminda Santos, 48, Pasig City; and, Melvin Evangelista, 35, Marikina City.

He said the rescued victims are temporarily housed at a DSWD-run center for displaced persons. (PNA)