ZAMBOANGA CITY — Eight individuals allegedly being victimized in a human trafficking scheme were rescued while three alleged facilitators were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, on August 11, 2026.
The operation was conducted along Crispin Atilano Street by the Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU), together with the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Region IX (DOJ-IACAT IX) and other participating law enforcement and government agencies.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the operation stemmed from an intelligence report and sustained surveillance concerning an alleged “backdoor” trafficking scheme.
Authorities said the alleged facilitators were providing fraudulent identification documents to individuals to facilitate the purchase of sea vessel tickets and their eventual departure from the country.
The joint operation involved personnel from the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga (CGS Zamboanga), Coast Guard Intelligence Unit-Zamboanga (CGIU-ZAM), CIU-SWM, MARSLEG-SWM, WCPC-MFU, DOJ-IACAT IX, Zamboanga City Mobile Force Battalion (ZCMFB), SBAF-TF-IX, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region IX (DSWD-IX), Department of Migrant Workers Region IX (DMW-IX), Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development (ZCSWD), and Barangay Tetuan officials.
During the operation, the eight individuals were successfully intercepted and rescued by the combined forces.
The rescued individuals were immediately referred to DSWD-IX for proper assessment, evaluation and interview. They will also be provided with appropriate assistance and protection based on the results of the assessment.
Meanwhile, three alleged facilitators were apprehended during the operation and turned over to the WCPC for appropriate investigation and the filing of charges.
Authorities said the three may face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended by Republic Act Nos. 10364 and 11862, as well as Republic Act No. 10022, as applicable.
The Philippine Coast Guard and its partner agencies said they remain committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, preventing trafficking and illegal recruitment, and strengthening inter-agency efforts against organized maritime-related criminal activities.
The circumstances surrounding the eight individuals and the alleged trafficking operation remain subject to assessment and investigation by the concerned authorities.