ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities rescued 38 individuals, including four minors, from an alleged human trafficking operation during a joint sea-based law enforcement mission on Friday night.

The Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force intercepted the wooden-hulled cargo vessel ML J-Sayang One at Taha Wharf, Baliwasan Seaside, following intelligence reports that around 50 people on board were set to be transported illegally overseas.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the vessel was bound for Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi, from where the passengers would allegedly be taken to Malaysia via a known backdoor route.

“Na-intercept natin ang ML Sayang na patungong Taganak Tawi-Tawi na pinaniniwalaang gagamitin bilang backdoor route papuntang ibang bansa… Isang ruta na kinikilalang ginagamit ng mga human trafficking syndicate sa region,” said PNP Chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

Of the rescued victims, 24 were women—two of them minors—while 14 were men, including two male minors. Police said the victims came from various provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Eight of the women held valid Philippine passports with tourist visas bound for China. Four of them admitted they were recruited as domestic helpers through illegal migration channels after previously being offloaded by the Bureau of Immigration. They were allegedly promised salaries of up to ₱70,000.

Three suspected recruiters—from Antipolo, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga—were arrested during the operation.

“Initially… hindi naman sila sinasabihan kung ano ’yung kahihinatnan nila pagdating doon sa bansa na pupuntahan nila. In the guise of waitress o magtatrabaho sa club… pero exploitation ang haharapin nila,” explained P/BGen. Maria Sheila Portento, chief of the Women and Children Protection Center.

The victims are now under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IX’s Processing Center for Displaced Persons in Barangay Mampang, where they are undergoing medical examinations and psychosocial support.

The PNP reminded the public to be vigilant against suspicious overseas job offers and to only apply through licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to trafficking syndicates.

“Mag-apply kayo ng ahensya na legal… Tandaan natin, pag iligal ang paglabas ninyo sa bansa, iligal din ang pagpasok ninyo sa ibang bansa. Walang kasiguruhan na kayo ay ma-monitor,” Torre cautioned.

Charges for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed against the arrested recruiters.