IACAT NUEVE

16/08/2026

12/08/2026

ZSBATTF COLLABORATIVE OPERATION RESULTS IN THE RESCUE OF 11 FEMALE APPLICANTS

On August 11, 2026, at about 3:50 PM, an interception and rescue operation was conducted at Crispin Atilano Street, Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, under the overall supervision of ACP ALFREDO E. JIMENEZ JR., Head, Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF), and led in the operation by PLTCOL ROMEO D. BALUBAL, JR., OIC, MFU-WCPC.

The operation was carried out through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of the ZSBATTF member agencies, including DMW Region IX, CIG-SWM/BARMM, CGIU-ZAM/CGIG-SWM, CGS Zamboanga/MARSLEG-SWM, DOJ-IACAT, PCTC-WMFO, NISG-WEMRO, DSWD Region IX, RMU9, 1st ZCMFC, 2MCIC, MCIBN, DOJ-IACAT9, ZC MARPSTA, CSWDO, and Zamboanga City Police Station 6, with the support and coordination of the Barangay Officials of Tetuan and Barangay Officials of Talon-Talon, and in coordination with RD, PRO9.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of seven (7) female applicants, all of legal age, who were allegedly being recruited for employment.

At about 6:00 PM of the same date, an additional four (4) female applicants were rescued in the same area in connection with the reported recruitment and trafficking activities, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to eleven (11).

During the initial assessment and interview, three (3) among the eleven (11) rescued individuals were identified as alleged facilitators of the recruitment activity. Among the three (3) alleged facilitators was an individual using the alias “Madam,” who was reportedly responsible for financing the activity and providing allowances to the applicants. The identities, roles, and circumstances surrounding the reported recruitment activities remain subject to further investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.

The eight ( 8 ) rescued individuals were immediately turned over to DSWD Region IX, for proper assessment, evaluation, interview, intervention, and appropriate disposition.

The successful operation highlights the strong collaboration and unified efforts of the ZSBATTF member agencies, partner law enforcement units, local government partners, and the Barangay Officials of Tetuan and Talon-Talon in preventing and combating Human Trafficking and Illegal Recruitment and in protecting individuals from exploitation.

ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION. PROTECTING LIVES. COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT.

29/07/2026

Day 2 | National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month (NATAM)
July 27, 2026

Communities become stronger when leaders are informed, and the future becomes safer when the youth are empowered.

As part of the observance of National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month (NATAM), the Day 2 advocacy campaign successfully reached both community leaders and students through a series of awareness activities conducted through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers Region IX (DMW IX), the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), the the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) Member Agencies, including the Philippine National Police – Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Mindanao Field Office (PNP-PCTC MFO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX (DSWD FO IX).

The morning session gathered Purok Leaders and Barangay Officials from Barangays Sinunuc, Recodo, and Ayala for a comprehensive orientation on Illegal Recruitment, Human Trafficking, and Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). Participants learned about the common modus operandi employed by traffickers and illegal recruiters, the warning signs to watch for, and the vital role of local leaders in protecting vulnerable individuals within their communities. Representatives from the participating member agencies also presented their respective mandates, programs, and services, reinforcing the importance of inter-agency collaboration and prompt reporting to prevent exploitation.

In the afternoon, the advocacy campaign continued at Talisayan National High School, where Senior High School students actively participated in an interactive awareness session. The students were highly attentive and engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the tactics used by traffickers and illegal recruiters, online safety, and practical ways to protect themselves and their peers from exploitation. Their enthusiasm reflected a growing awareness that knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing victimization.

By bringing these discussions directly to community leaders and young people, the campaign strengthens the collective effort to build vigilant communities that recognize the warning signs of trafficking, reject deceptive recruitment schemes, and take action to safeguard those at risk.

Together, through education, partnership, and community action, we can stop human trafficking, end illegal recruitment, and protect every Filipino from exploitation.

23/07/2026

📢 DAY 1 | National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month (NATAM)
🗓️ July 22, 2026

As part of the observance of National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month (NATAM), the Day 1 activities were successfully conducted through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers IX (DMW IX), the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) Member Agencies, including the Philippine National Police – Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Mindanao Field Office (PNP-PCTC MFO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX (DSWD FO IX).

The advocacy campaign commenced with Barangay Awareness Orientations at Barangay Mercedes and Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City, where barangay officials, functionaries, and community members were educated on the dangers and indicators of Human Trafficking, Illegal Recruitment, Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The participating agencies also discussed their respective mandates, programs, and services, emphasizing the crucial role of barangay leaders as the first line of defense in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals within their communities.

In the afternoon, the awareness campaign continued at Tuan Datu Hadji Abdulla Nuno Memorial Integrated School at Barangay Taluksangay, where students actively participated in an educational orientation on trafficking prevention, online safety, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. The session aimed to empower the youth with knowledge and encourage them to become advocates for the protection of children and the promotion of safe communities.

This collaborative initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the DOJ-IACAT, DMW Region IX, ZSBATTF Member Agencies, PNP-PCTC, DSWD FO IX, and all partner stakeholders to strengthen public awareness, foster community vigilance, and intensify the fight against human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and all forms of child exploitation.

Together, let us educate, empower, and protect. Ending human trafficking begins with informed communities and united action.















NUEVE

11/06/2026

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗘𝗖/𝗖𝗦𝗔𝗘𝗠 𝗜𝗡 𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬
On June 10, 2026, a Joint Rescue Operation and the implementation of Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 01-2026 were successfully conducted in Barangay Tigbalabag, Zamboanga City, under the overall supervision of ACP Alfredo E. Jimenez, Head of the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF).

The operation was led by the Women and Children Protection Center – Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU), in coordination with ZSBATTF member agencies included personnel from Philippine National Police-Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) 9, MARPSTA Zamboanga City, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region IX (DSWD IX), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), ZCPO S2, Regional Anti-Child Exploitation Trafficking Task Force (RACETTF 9), Department of Justice-Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking Police Station 1-Vitali, Zamboanga City Police Office, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 9 (RACU 9), Criminal Investigation Group-SWM/BARMM, Coast Guard Intelligence Unit-Zamboanga, and other partner agencies, with active support from the International Justice Mission (IJM) and DOJ-NCC OSAEC/CSAEM.

As a result of the operation, three (3) minor victims were successfully rescued and immediately referred to the appropriate social welfare agencies for protection, care, and rehabilitation services. Digital and electronic evidence relevant to the case were likewise recovered during the implementation of the warrant, leading to the arrest of the suspect for violations of Republic Act No. 11930, Republic Act No. 9208 as amended, and Republic Act No. 7610.

This successful operation reflects the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies, government partners, and civil society organizations in safeguarding children and holding offenders accountable. The ZSBATTF remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening efforts against human trafficking, OSAEC, CSAEM, and all forms of child exploitation.

03/06/2026

𝗭𝗦𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗙 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗘𝗖/𝗖𝗦𝗔𝗘𝗠 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬

Under the supervision of Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) Head, ACP Alfredo E. Jimenez Jr., a successful entrapment, rescue operation, and implementation of Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 001-2026 was conducted on June 2, 2026, at approximately 2:38 PM along Arquiza Drive, Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, in connection with an Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM) case under "COPLAN ARQUIZA."

The operation resulted in the rescue of three (3) female minor victims who were allegedly being offered online and one (1) child at risk. Authorities also arrested the suspect identified as Raquel Arquiza y Candido, 27 years old, a resident of Arquiza Drive, Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, for violation of Republic Act No. 11930, otherwise known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

The operation was led by the Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU) headed by PLTCOL Romeo D. Balubal Jr., OIC, MFU, WCPC, under the direct supervision of PBGEN Maria Sheila T. Portento, Chief, WCPC. The operation was carried out in coordination with various law enforcement agencies and partner organizations, including Zamboanga City Police Station 12, 904th RMFB 9, RACU 9, CIG-SWM/BARMM, CGIU-ZAMBO, RWCPD PRO9, CIU-ZCPO, PCTC-WMFO, CSWDO-Zamboanga City, DSWD Region IX, RIACAT9/RACETTF9, the DOJ-NCC OSAEC-CSAEM Program, and the International Justice Mission (IJM).

During the implementation of the search warrant, authorities confiscated several pieces of evidence relevant to the investigation. The operation was properly documented through the use of body-worn cameras, and was witnessed by two elected barangay officials of Barangay Mampang, ensuring transparency and compliance with legal procedures. The suspect was informed of her constitutional rights in a language known and understood by her before being taken into custody.

Following the operation, the arrested suspect was brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 12 in Talon-Talon for proper booking and custodial procedures. Meanwhile, the rescued children were immediately turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for assessment, psychosocial intervention, and other protective services.

This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies, government partners, and child protection advocates in combating online s*xual exploitation and safeguarding children from abuse and trafficking. The ZSBATTF remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that protect vulnerable sectors and ensure that perpetrators of child exploitation are brought to justice.

03/06/2026

News Alert
Migrant Workers Protection Bureau
31 May 2026

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗸 𝘀𝗮 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗮

𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 — Matagumpay na sinalubong ng Department of Migrant Workers – Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (DMW-MWPB) kasama ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Cordillera Administrative Region (CIDG-CAR) at Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group Terminal 1 (PNP-AVSE Group T-1) ang pitong (7) Pilipinong biktima ng human trafficking na na-repatriate mula sa Cambodia.

Bandang alas-5:15 ng umaga ngayong Mayo 31, 2026, dumating sa bansa ang mga biktima na agad sumailalim sa kinakailangang proseso at ibat ibang serbisyo ng mga kinauukulang ahensya upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan, kapakanan, at agarang suporta mula sa pamahalaan.

Sa isinagawang processing, isa sa mga na-repatriate na indibidwal na nakilalang si John Lerry Amit ay inaresto ng mga awtoridad matapos mapag-alamang siya ay isang suspek sa kasong Qualified Human Trafficking, alinsunod sa umiiral na warrant of arrest na inilabas laban sa kanya.

Ipinaalam kay Amit ang dahilan ng kanyang pag-aresto at ang kanyang mga karapatang konstitusyonal. Matapos nito, dinala siya sa tanggapan ng PNP-AVSE Group T-1 para sa kaukulang booking procedures at mugshot documentation, bago ihatid para sumailalim sa nararapat na detention at pagdinig ng kanyang kaso.

Patuloy na pinaiigting ng DMW at ng mga katuwang nitong ahensya ang kampanya laban sa illegal recruitment, human trafficking at iba pang anyo ng pagsasamantala sa mga Pilipino sa ibamg bansa. Kasabay nito, nananatiling prayoridad ng pamahalaan ang pagligtas, pagprotekta, at pagbibigay ng kinakailangang tulong sa mga biktima ng illegal recruitment at human trafficking, gayundin ang pagpapanagot sa mga sangkot sa ganitong uri ng krimen.

21/05/2026

𝗭𝗦𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗙 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 (𝟱) 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗦, 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗦

Following extensive monitoring, surveillance, and test operations conducted on an individual allegedly offering minors in exchange for s*x, a successful joint entrapment and rescue operation was carried out on 20 May 2026 at about 10:35 PM in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City, in coordination with the Barangay Officials of Upper Calarian.

The operation was spearheaded by the DOJ–IACAT Region IX through the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) together with partner law enforcement and social welfare agencies, including PCTC-WMFO, WCPC-MFU, CIU-ZCPO, CIG-SWM/BARMM, CGIU-SWM, NBI-WEMRO, NISG-WM, DSWD Region IX, CSWDO, and PS8 ZCPO.

The operation resulted in the rescue of five (5) individuals, including three (3) suspected minor female victims and two (2) legal-age female victims, and the *arrest of one (1) female suspect identified as Josephine A. Santiago, also known as “Jhoan,” who is alleged to be connected to the exploitation activities and the operation conducted.

The arrested suspect will be subjected to the appropriate inquest and legal proceedings for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by Republic Act Nos. 10364 and 11682, particularly Qualified Trafficking in Persons involving the exploitation of minors.

The rescued individuals were immediately referred for proper investigation, documentation, assessment, and protective interventions by the concerned agencies.

This operation reflects the continued commitment of government agencies to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable sectors from exploitation.

01/05/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: 𝗧𝗜𝗣 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 #𝟭: 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗔

Ngayong ika-1 ng Mayo, hindi lang natin ipinagdiriwang ang sipag at tagumpay ng bawat manggagawang Pilipino, binibigyang-diin din natin ang kahalagahan ng kanilang kaligtasan.

Sa unang kuwento ng TIP Insiders, ipinapakita ang realidad ng labor trafficking at kung paanong maraming Pilipino ang nalalagay sa panganib dahil sa mapanlinlang na mga alok na trabaho. Ito ay kwento ng isang Pilipinang nangarap ng mas magandang kinabukasan, ngunit siya ay nalinlang at naging biktima ng human trafficking.

Ang Araw ng Manggagawa ay paalala na ang bawat manggagawa ay may karapatang magkaroon ng ligtas at disenteng trabaho. Kasabay ng pagdiriwang, panawagan din ito sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino na maging mapanuri at mapagmatyag laban sa illegal recruitment at human trafficking.

Bago tumanggap ng trabaho:
✔ Siguraduhing lehitimo ang alok na trabaho
✔ Kung local employment, tiyaking sumusunod sa mga patakaran ng Department of Labor and Employment - DOLE
✔ Kung sa abroad naman, i-check kung rehistrado ang agency o employer sa opisyal na website ng Department of Migrant Workers DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program: https://dmw.gov.ph/inquiry/licensed-recruitment-agencies

28/04/2026

𝗧𝗜𝗣 (𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀) 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻🔍
Nagsagawa ang IACAT ng street interview Maynila upang alamin kung alam nga ba ng ating mga kababayan ang human trafficking at iba’t ibang anyo nito.
Panoorin at alamin natin ang tunay na boses ng publiko ukol sa usaping ito.
Mahigpit na paalala ng IACAT na maging mapagmatyag at huwag manahimik laban sa trafficking.
Kung may nalalaman o pinaghihinalaang kaso ng human trafficking, i-report sa 1343 Actionline against Human Trafficking.