PCG: Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard in Tawi-Tawi rescued a would-be victim of human trafficking who was discovered onboard a motor launch with no pertinent documents.

Laira Q. Mancabong, 17 years old, was rescued by the Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI) Team and the personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Mapun during a boarding inspection on ML Asbi which was docked at Port Mapun last Sunday, February 9.

Mancabong, a resident of Brgy Ginabucan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, was invited by the team for profiling and interrogation.

According to Mancabong, she came to Mapun onboard ML Trisha Mae II last January 26 and stayed for a week at the residence of a certain Sabturayna Lahuddin, sister of her co-worker. She also admitted that she’s planning to exit the country via Taganak Island to Sabah, Malaysia.

Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI) Team and personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Mapun rescued a passenger suspected to be a victim of human trafficking due to lack of documents while vessel inspected was docked at Port of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi last 09 February.

Further investigation disclosed that Mancabong’s plan to exit the country without securing any legal documents, such as passport and immigration clearance, was an attempt to be with her mother who is working at Kalapasawit Plantation Corporation in Sandakan, Malaysia.

Immediately, CGS Mapun coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare Development (MSWD)-Mapun, Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition. CGS Zamboanga also rendered necessary assistance upon arrival of the said victim at Zamboanga City last Monday, February 10.

ML Asbi, a cargo vessel with 33.69 GT/22.5 NT, is owned and operated by Sibbal Tating.