By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – Authorities rescued four persons, including minors, and arrested two suspected illegal recruiters in an anti-human trafficking operation this week.
In a report Friday, Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the operation was carried out after a concerned family member reported to the police that one of the students failed to return home from school.
The victims were inside a van being transported aboard a vessel, which departed Masbate City Port at about noon on Wednesday and was scheduled to arrive at Pio Duran Port by 5 p.m.
Authorities were able to intercept the victims and arrest the suspects before they could leave the port premises.
Calubaquib said initial investigation showed that one of the suspects, a van driver, claimed he had merely been instructed to pick up the victims, while the other suspect is believed to be the one who enticed the students with false job offers and promises of a better life.
“Authorities are now preparing appropriate charges for violation of anti-trafficking laws and related offenses. Follow-up operations are underway to trace and dismantle the larger network of individuals behind this trafficking attempt,” she said.
Investigators are coordinating with other agencies to determine whether the suspects are linked to organized groups preying on vulnerable sectors, particularly students and job seekers.
PRO-5 Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., commended the police for the quick coordination with other agencies.
“This rescue is proof that vigilance, timely reporting, and inter-agency cooperation can save lives. We urge the public to be alert, speak up, and immediately report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Together, we can stop trafficking before it even begins,” he said. (PNA)
