STUDENT WHO FAILED TO RETURN HOME FROM SCHOOL AMONG 4 TRAFFICKING VICTIMS RESCUED IN ALBAY

FOUR persons, including a student who failed to return home from school, were rescued while two suspected illegal recruiters were arrested in an operation in Albay.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib son Friday said the rescue operation was launched after the family of the student sought the help of the police.

Authorities said the victims were found inside a van being transported aboard a vessel, which departed Masbate City Port at about noon on Wednesday and was scheduled to arrive at Pio Duran Port by 5 p.m. of the same day.

The victims were rescued and the suspects were immediately arrested before they could leave the port premises.

Initial investigation showed that one of the suspects, a van driver, claimed he was just instructed to pick up the victims.

The other suspect was believed to have enticed the victims with false job orders.

Charges for violation of anti-trafficking laws are being readied for filing in court against the arrested suspects.

Calubaquib said that follw-up operations are underway to hunt down the other suspects behind the trafficking attempt.