THE Philippine Coast Guard has rescued 16 would-be victims of human trafficking in the province of Basilan, an official said Thursday, August 16.

Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coast Guard Station commander, said the would-be victims were rescued at the port of Maluso, Basilan province.

The victims include 13 males, including three minors and three females. They were aboard a wooden-hulled vessel, M/L Paudian, that was scheduled to depart for Sabah, Malaysia, said Ramos.

Seven of the victims are from Zamboanga del Sur, eight from Cagayan de Oro City, and one from Misamis Occidental.

Ramos said the adult victims informed authorities that they were recruited by a certain Tong to work in Sabah.

They were transported from Maluso to Zamboanga City and were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (SunStar Philippines)