Gov't troops rescue 2 trafficking victims in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Gov't troops rescue 2 trafficking victims in Tawi-Tawi

Joint military and police have rescued two victims of human trafficking in the province of Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Friday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified those rescued as Kathleen Banua, 18, and Greta Banua, 54, both from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.

Petinglay said the victims were rescued around 11:45 a.m. Thursday in the municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Petinglay said the victims were turned over to the Women and Child Protection Desk of the Tawi-Tawi police office for proper disposition.

They were provided with medical services by attending medical practitioners of the rescuing agencies.

The military continues to assist the police and other law enforcers in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to deter lawless violence not only in the province of Tawi-Tawi but also in the entire area of jurisdiction of Westmincom.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, six female victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were also jointly rescued by the government troops at Margarita Resort, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.

The rescued TIPs were debriefed and made to undergo medical check-up to ensure that they are in good health condition.

Petinglay said the joint elements were able to apprehend Girlie Manalo, who was identified as the facilitator of the said TIPs at Sitio Pook, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the troops and agencies concerned for the intensified effort to rescue victims of syndicate groups engaged in human trafficking activities.

“Together, we can do so much in stopping this lawless activity. The successful rescue operation is to bring a message to these syndicate groups that the government forces will not be hampered and will double our efforts in going after them,” Galvez said.

Trafficking in persons is one of the many lawless activities thriving in the province of Tawi-Tawi, which the concerned government agencies are working together to stop such illegal activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962698