Twelve individuals, residents of Taguig City, Manila, Las Piñas City, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay, were stopped by authorities after a tip-off that they were headed to Sabah, Malaysia for illegal employment.
(Picture of the Philippine Coast Guard)
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), their first tip-off was about two minors at a private pier at Balisawan Seaside on their way to Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi, bound for Sabah, Malaysia for work.
No minors were found by the Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection team.
However, the PCG spotted 12 passengers, five of whom were women, aboard the M/L STI also heading towards Taganak Island. As per the PCG, these people appeared to be potential victims of human trafficking, particularly since their destination, Taganak Island, is known as the "southern backdoor" route for those wishing to reach Sabah.
The twelve individuals are now in custody for processing and documentation, after which they will be returned to their place of origin.