ZAMBOANGA CITY — Four minors who were reported missing after leaving their homes in Zamboanga City have been found safe in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, following a coordinated rescue operation by local authorities. Investigators are now looking into the possibility that the children were being recruited or lured by an individual believed to be connected to a suspected human trafficking scheme.
The missing minors were initially identified by their families as:
- Eliene Buyong Pandalan, 14, a Grade 9 student;
- Maika Buyong, 17, a Grade 8 student;
Both are residents of Barangay 4, Campo Uno, Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City.
Authorities later confirmed that two other minors were also involved, including Marlyn Jupakal Banguih, a Grade 10 student and resident of Lakumba, bringing the total number of missing children to four. The fourth minor was also reported to be from the Labuan-Maasin area.
According to their families, the minors left home early in the morning on July 5 carrying their school bags, uniforms, and personal belongings but failed to return home. Concerned relatives immediately reported their disappearance to the Barangay Labuan officials and the police, prompting a search operation and public appeals for information regarding their whereabouts.
After several days of investigation and coordination, the four minors were successfully located and rescued in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay through the joint efforts of barangay officials from Maasin, Police Station 8–Sinunuc, and Police Station 10–Labuan.
Initial findings indicate that the children had allegedly run away after communicating with an individual from Palawan known only by the alias “Paloma.” Authorities are now investigating whether the suspect lured the minors through online communication and whether the case is linked to an attempted human trafficking operation.
Investigators said the four rescued minors are residents of Barangays Labuan, Latap, and Maasin in Zamboanga City.
The rescued children are now under the care of the authorities while proper interventions, counseling, and interviews are being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and identify anyone who may have been involved in recruiting or transporting them.
Authorities continue to pursue the investigation to establish whether a human trafficking syndicate is behind the incident and to identify other possible victims.
Police also renewed their appeal to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and immediately report suspicious individuals who may be attempting to recruit or communicate with minors through social media or other online platforms. They emphasized that early reporting and community cooperation remain vital in preventing cases of child exploitation and human trafficking.