THE Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force has rescued 56 female victims of trafficking in persons in Zamboanga City.

Lieutenant Commander Jessie Guiniling, Zamboanga Coast Guard Station commander, said the victims were rescued around 7:10 p.m. Monday, February 24, at the traveler's hub of the Philippine Ports Authority.

The victims were about to board a passenger-cargo vessel, M/V Antonia 1, bound for Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia when rescued.

The rescue came after it was found out that the women were recruited to work in Malaysia by a recruiter, who suddenly disappeared at the local port.

The victims were recruited in Luzon and Visayas areas, as well as in some parts of Mindanao, said Guiniling.

The task force advised the public, especially jobseekers, to only apply with licensed recruitment agencies. (SunStar Zamboanga)