Four women were rescued and three suspected human trafficking facilitators were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation in Zamboanga City.
The operation was carried out in Barangay Tetuan following intelligence gathered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and coordinated with partner law enforcement agencies.
Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said timely and validated information collected by Coast Guard intelligence personnel allowed authorities to intervene before the women could be subjected to further exploitation.
The rescued women were turned over to the Department of Justice-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Region 9 Office, where they will receive counseling and assistance as authorities determine their appropriate disposition.
The three suspects are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act Nos. 10364 and 11862. They may also be charged with large-scale illegal recruitment under Republic Act No. 10022.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan praised the personnel involved in the operation, citing their efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
The Coast Guard said the operation reflects its continued push for stronger coordination among government agencies in combating human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
The PCG is also using its Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) campaign and Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea strategic concept to strengthen maritime law enforcement and community protection efforts.
Authorities said sustained interagency cooperation and intelligence-driven operations remain crucial in preventing human trafficking and protecting potential victims from exploitation.