Tawi-tawi: Authorities foiled a human trafficking attempt involving 22 would-be victims through the verification and profiling of passengers of a commercial ferry in Tawi-Tawi, the police said Friday. Major Alrashid Tulawie, chief of the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), stated that the victims were rescued on Thursday afternoon aboard a passenger ferry docked at the port of Bongao, the province's capital town.

According to Philippines News Agency, the rescued individuals included 10 females, seven males, and five minors, all originating from different parts of the country. The operation was initiated following information from a confidential informant who indicated that individuals intending to travel to Sabah, Malaysia, via the backdoor route, were onboard the vessel. The maritime police's approach revealed that the victims were uneasy and unable to answer basic questions, prompting their verification at the Tawi-Tawi MARPSTA.

Rosabella Sulano, head of the Bongao Municipal Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, reported that during the investigation, the would-be victims admitted their plans to travel to Malaysia via the 'backdoor channel' without proper travel documents. The adult individuals disclosed that they were promised jobs in Malaysia by contacts identified only by their aliases 'Usman,' 'Riza,' 'Jomar,' 'Naning,' and 'Talib.' It was also noted that the victims brought their minor children, suggesting an intention to settle permanently in Malaysia.

The PNP Maritime Group and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking have urged the public to remain vigilant regarding job offers abroad, especially those requiring immediate departure from the country. They also advised the public to promptly report any suspicious activities.