CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao — Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has ordered the creation of a special task force that will prevent human trafficking in the region using it as gateway to other countries.
Latag made the directive following the successful rescue of 47 alleged victims of human trafficking in Tawi-Tawi over the weekend.
To be led by the police provincial director of Tawi-Tawi, the task force will be composed of police, Philippine Marines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Immigration, local government units and representatives from private sectors.
After receiving a tip from concerned individuals, the police led by Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi police chief, formed a composite team to rescue the victims and track down those responsible for the trafficking.
Citing reports from Tawi-Tawi PNP, Latag said the victims were allegedly recruited to work in Sabah, Malaysia but when summoned, failed to show their employment and travel documents, which prompted the police to temporarily hold them.
The victims said they paid various amount to "contacts" who promised to bring them to Malaysia for employment opportunities.
A manhunt has been launched against the recruiters who are believed to be based in Zamboanga City. The police has coordinated with the Police Regional Office No. 9 in Zamboanga Ctiy.
"We have been intensifying our efforts to combat human trafficking considering that our AOR is the entrance and exit point being used as the backdoor for Sabah, Malaysia where victims of human trafficking are usually transported,” Jocson said.
Last year, more than a hundred individuals were rescued by police and maritime authorities while being "secretly" brought out of the country using the so called "southern backdoor." (PNA)
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