Zamboanga: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with various law enforcement and partner agencies, has rescued eight potential human trafficking victims and arrested three suspects in this city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga stated that the would-be victims were rescued Tuesday afternoon from an apartment along Crispin Atilano Street, Barangay Tetuan, this city. The operation followed a two-week surveillance after the barangay council of Tetuan received information about the recruitment of individuals in the area.

The CGS-Zamboanga revealed that all rescued individuals were of legal age, while the arrested 'facilitators' were women. The operation stemmed from an intelligence report and sustained surveillance regarding an alleged 'backdoor' trafficking scheme. Facilitators were reportedly providing fraudulent identification documents to individuals to purchase sea vessel tickets, facilitating their eventual departure from the country.

The individuals were reportedly recruited to travel to Saudi Arabia for work through the Philippines' southern route. The CGS-Zamboanga noted that the eight rescued individuals were referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Zamboanga Peninsula for proper assessment, evaluation, interview, and provision of appropriate assistance and protection.

Meanwhile, the three arrested facilitators were handed over to the Philippine National Police's Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit for appropriate investigation and the filing of charges. They will face charges for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.