Google Maps aerial image of Zamboanga City and port area

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 86 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued in two separate operations near Zamboanga City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday, January 13.

The raid took place on January 10, when a PCG Special Operations Group received information that two fast craft vessels along Petro Bay Wharf were carrying suspected victims of human smuggling, the PCG said in a statement.

The boarding team and conducted a mandatory pre-departure inspection inside the vessel and was able to extract the 50 passengers, 32 males and 18 females.

A follow-up operation assisted by the PCG Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force led to a second boat where another 36 suspected victims of human trafficking were also rescued.

Each of the victims paid P2,500 to a facilitator as payment for their trip bound for Sabah, Malaysia in exchange for unspecified work with good opportunities, according to the PCG. - Rappler.com

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