By Niko Dacanay
JUNE 11, 2025 — The Philippine Coast Guard inadvertently uncovered alleged human trafficking victims upon responding to a capsized motorboat off the coast of Palawan.
According to the PCG, a concerned citizen reported the maritime incident in the waters of Balacbac, Palawan in June 8.
The PCG then launched a search and rescue operation in the area for the nine passengers and two crew members.
Eight of the eleven individuals on board had been rescued with the help from local residents and fishermen.
According to the survivors, they were traveling to Malaysia through a backdoor route in Bataraza, Palawan.
The nine passengers initially arrived in Puerto Princesa, where they boarded a white van and traveled at least six hours to the coastal pickup point.
Shortly after the MBCA Kumpit departed, the motorboat encountered engine failure.
The passengers reported that the boat skipper had jumped overboard in an attempt to seek help back on shore but never returned.
Search and rescue operations are now underway to locate two missing individuals while the PCG committed to assisting the eight survivors.
The PCG, however, reported that one of the female passengers lost her life in the incident.
Authorities also launched a follow-up operation after the survivors tipped the PCG of another group of illegal recruits using the same backdoor route.
The second batch of alleged human trafficking victims, who initially claimed to be tourists, had been located and rescued.
The PCG and Philippine National Police have launched an investigation to confirm the identities of those rescued.
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