THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued seven victims of human trafficking in the province of Tawi-Tawi, a top PCG official said.

Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, PCG Southwestern Mindanao district commander, said the victims were rescued Thursday, January 19, near Lupa Pula, Panglima Sugala town.

Gines said the victims were rescued after the husband of one of the seven victims sought assistance of PCG Station in Jolo.

The husband, who was not identified, told the PCG personnel that the seven victims departed Jolo to Tawi-Tawi aboard a private boat around 4 a.m. Thursday, January 19.

Upon arrival in Tawi-Tawi, they will be transferred to another boat that will transport them to Cambodia.

Gines said the PCG Jolo Station coordinated with the Police Maritime Group and intercepted the private boat in the waters off Lupa Pula, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. (SunStar Zamboanga)