ZAMBOANGA CITY – Law enforcement officials successfully prevented a human trafficking operation involving 22 prospective victims during routine passenger verification at Bongao port in Tawi-Tawi, police confirmed Friday.

Major Alrashid Tulawie, head of the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), reported that the rescue took place Thursday afternoon aboard a commercial ferry. The group comprised 10 women, 7 men, and 5 minors hailing from various regions across the country.

"The operation was initiated following intelligence from a confidential informant about individuals attempting to travel illegally to Sabah, Malaysia, using unauthorized routes," Tulawie explained. "Upon questioning, the passengers became visibly nervous and inconsistently responded to basic inquiries, prompting their transfer to MARPSTA for further verification."

Rosabella Sulano, leader of the Bongao Municipal Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, revealed that during the investigation, the victims confessed they intended to cross into Malaysia without valid travel documentation.

"Adults in the group reported being recruited with promises of employment from contacts known only by aliases such as ‘Usman,’ ‘Riza,’ ‘Jomar,’ ‘Naning,’ and ‘Talib,’" Sulano stated. "Notably, several victims had brought their minor children, suggesting plans for permanent relocation."

Authorities from the PNP Maritime Group and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking issued a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against overseas job offers, particularly those urging immediate departure through irregular channels.

They urged citizens to report any suspicious recruitment activities promptly to prevent exploitation and illegal transit.