Authorities rescued 19 suspected victims of human trafficking in Tawi-Tawi on October 11, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The passengers were aboard a roll-on/roll-off vessel at the Port of Bongao when PCG sea marshals overheard them discussing their plans to travel to Malaysia.
The suspected victims were brought to the Philippine National Police Maritime Station for investigation.
According to the PCG, the Municipal Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (MIACAT) conducted a separate investigation.
During the probe, the victims reportedly admitted their intention to travel to Sabah, Malaysia, via illegal backdoor routes to seek work without proper documentation, the PCG added.
The victims were also provided counseling by MIACAT before being turned over to the Ministry of Social Service Development.