Authorites rescued in Zamboanga port two women believed to be victims of human trafficking, the Coast Guard reported on Monday.

Lt. Cdr. Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard spokesman, identified the victims who are both from Cavite City.

Ricafrente said the rescue was conducted by elements of the Coast Guard-Vessel Safety Inspection Team and Special Operation Unit South Western Mindanao around 6 p.m. last Sunday.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were recruited in Pasay City. They were promised decent jobs with good salaries in Sabah, Malaysia.

The victims arrived at the Zamboanga City Pier at around 2:30 p.m. and escorted by an unidentified person.

The Coast Guard turned over the two women to the Visayas Forum Foundation for debriefing, court referral, and proper disposition.

Late last year, the Coast Guard arrested a suspected illegal recruiter following a rescue operation of 22 victims of human trafficking.

The suspect who is from Bulawan, Pagadian City, is detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office in Zamboanga City.

The victims were rescued while on board the ML Kathlen docked at Petroline Marketing Inc. Wharf in Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboaga City.

Source: Manila Standard Today/March 20, 2012/Tuesday/page A3