Two victims of trafficking rescued in Tawi-Tawi

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 10, 2017)- Two victims of trafficking were rescued by joint elements of the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies in the nearby province of Tawi-Tawi shortly before noontime yesterday, military official said.

Rescued were Kathleen Banua, 18 years old; and Greta Banua, 54 years old, both from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the victims were immediately brought to the Women and Child Protection Desk, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition and were provided with medical services by attending medical practitioners of the rescuing agencies.

The military continues to assist the police and other law enforcers in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to deter lawless violence not only in the province of Tawi-Tawi but also in the entire area of Western Mindanao Command, Petinglay added.

Earlier (February 7, 2017), six (6) female victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were also jointly rescued by the government troops and agencies at Margarita Resort, Brgy Cabaluay, Zamboanga City. The rescued TIPs were also debriefed and made to undergo medical check-up to ensure that they are healthy and well. 

Petinglay further said, the joint elements were able to apprehend a certain Ms. Girlie Manalo who was identified as the facilitator/recruiter of the said TIPs at Sitio Puuk, Brgy Cabaluay, Zamboanga City. 

Major General Carlito G. Galvez AFP lauded the troops and agencies concerned for the intensified effort to rescue victims of Syndicate groups on trafficking in persons.

"Together, we can do so much in stopping this lawless activity. The successful rescue operation is to bring a message to these syndicate groups that the government forces will not be hampered and will double our efforts in going after them", the WestMinCom Commander said. 

Petinglay ends by saying that trafficking in persons is one of the many lawless activities thriving in the area that which the government and concerned agencies are working together to deter.