Two alleged victims of human trafficking were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) while onboard a ship in Tawi-Tawi. Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrent, PCG spokesman, said that Coast Guard Station-Bongao received a report that two teenagers – Remelyn Ponce, 18 and Roselyn Ponce, 16 – who were reportedly victims of human trafficking, were held onboard MV TrishaKerstin-2 while en route to Bongao, Tawi Tawi on April 10.

Further investigation disclosed that the girls, who left home without the knowledge of their families, were promised jobs as domestic helpers in Malaysia. Upon learning of the incident, Ponce’s mother sought assistance from the Coast Guard.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on Saturday warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avoid recruiters who require them to leave for abroad through the country’s “southern backdoor.”

POEA administrator Hands Cacdac said the exit points in the south were the favorite routes used by human traffickers to smuggle out their victims.

Isa pang batch ng mga Filipino repatriate mula sa Syria ang dumating sa bansa kahapon, Abril 12.

Ang bagong batch ay binubuo ng 24 kababaihang overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Bunsod nito umaabot na sa kabuuang 1,267 ang bilang ng Filipino repatriates na dumating sa Pilipinas.