ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted and assisted five women believed to be victims of human trafficking upon their arrival at the Zamboanga Seaport on March 29, 2026, following a coordinated response to prevent their illegal deployment to Malaysia.
The women were immediately received by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Zamboanga Satellite Office, which ensured their safety and provided urgent assistance after their ordeal.
According to reports, the victims were allegedly recruited to work in Malaysia as escort masseuses, lured by promises of earning between PHP 30,000 and PHP 34,000 within just ten days. However, their departure was halted earlier on March 24 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi by operatives of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group – 1st Special Operations Unit due to incomplete travel documents and failure to comply with proper travel procedures.
Following the interception, the victims were turned over to the MSSD Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office, which facilitated their safe transfer back to Zamboanga City with the assistance of the MSSD Zamboanga Satellite Office.
Upon arrival, the women were brought to the Processing Center for Displaced Persons Region IX for comprehensive assessment, psychosocial counseling, and orientation on the risks and realities of human trafficking.
Authorities said the victims are currently under temporary care at the facility while arrangements are being made for their safe return to their families in Manila.
Meanwhile, the MSSD is closely coordinating with relevant government agencies to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the suspected illegal recruitment scheme.
The intervention forms part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Transfer for Individuals in Distress (HATID) Program of the MSSD, which aims to protect vulnerable sectors, including Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Filipinos from Sabah (ReFS), and other at-risk populations.
Authorities reiterated their warning to the public to remain vigilant against deceptive overseas job offers that often serve as fronts for human trafficking operations.