COMBINED military and police operatives have rescued two victims of human trafficking in the province of Tawi-Tawi, a military official said Friday, February 10.

Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) information officer, said the victims were rescued around 11:45 a.m. Thursday in the municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

The rescued all-women victims were aged 18 and 54. Both are from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.

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 Wesmincom.

On Tuesday, February 7, six female victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were also jointly rescued by the government troops at Margarita Resort in the village of 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, Cabaluay village, Zamboanga City. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)