TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities launched a major operation in Tukuran town to rescue minors and adults allegedly involved in prostitution, following reports of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the area.
According to an initial report, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) received a complaint from a minor who claimed to have been abused by her pimp, prompting the immediate operation. The minor revealed that she and other victims were forced to sell their bodies to clients, most of whom were visitors staying at nearby beach resorts.
The operation uncovered that aside from minors, several adults were also involved in the illegal activity. The victims reportedly came from various parts of Zamboanga del Sur, lured by promises of money and opportunities.
The NBI Pagadian and Dipolog offices led the coordinated rescue effort, in partnership with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime – INTERPOL Western Mindanao, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Intelligence Support Group (NISG), the Naval Intelligence Force – Western Mindanao (NIF-WestMen), and the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Authorities vowed to pursue the traffickers and pimps behind the illegal operation and ensure justice for the rescued victims. The rescued minors are now under the custody of the DSWD for proper care and rehabilitation.