PCG: A 37-year old victim was rescued from human trafficking by a composite rescue team in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last Tuesday, July 21.

The victim Maria Victoria Sarco Cerna, 37 years old, married and a resident of Purok Madua Sur, Duero, Bohol was found onboard MV Trisha Kerstin 2 enroute from Zamboanga City bound for Bongao.

The duty Sea Marshall onboard said vessel reported the incident to the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Bongao and a composite rescue team was immediately deployed composed of joint operatives from said Station, Coast Guard Field Station Bongao, PNP Maritime Police, PNP Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office, Philippine Marines, Municipal Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Sea Base Anti-Trafficking Force, and DSWD.

Cerna was rescued upon arrival of the vessel in Bongao. The victim was then turned-over to PNP Women and Child Protection Office in Bongao for profiling and further interrogation.

Accordingly, Cerna was held off in Zamboanga City by the Overseas Passenger Assistance Center (OPAC) due to incomplete travel or work documents. The victim stated that a certain Janon Virgilio from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah was recruiting her as a waitress and she’s planning to go to Malaysa through “back door entry”.

MV Trisha Kerstin 2 is owned and operated by Aleson Shipping Lines and was skippered by Capt. Joel Mendoza.