Malaysian nationals-turned-human trafficking victims rescued in Cavite
SEVEN Malaysian nationals said to have been victimized by a human trafficking syndicate in the country were rescued by combined agents of the Philippine National Police and the Royal Malaysian Police in an operation in Kawit, Cavite, a report to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said on Saturday.
The top cop said that the Malaysians complained poor working conditions at the Klaire One Corporation in Kawit and sought the helpof the Malaysian Embassy.
In turn, the Malaysian Embassy and the Royal Malaysian Police asked the assistance of the Cavite Police Provincial Office, the Kawit Municipal Police Station and the Police Regional Office 4-A Regional Intelligence Division in rescuing the 17.
According to Cavite police director Col. Christopher F. Olazo, they launched the rescue operation in coordination with the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.
It turned out that the Malaysian workers sought help from authorities due to their poor working conditions at the job site and have expressed the desire to resign from the said company.
The Malaysian workers were identified as Steve Sim Vui Leong, Kong Seeing Hock, Lai Yen Fan, Tiu Yong Yong, Tommy Wong Chiong Ming, Jane Liong Siew Jiun, Chua Wei Tung, Ang Kian Long, Antonio Alex Samuel, Stephen Pang Ying Kwong, Simon Chee Yung Fock, Stephanie Sim Do Do, William Law Hing Liong, Bong Ju Fong, Algyen David, Yaw You Ming, and Jalan Rambai Paya Terubong.
Acorda emphasized the PNP’s commitment to upholding human rights and promoting the welfare of all individuals within Philippine jurisdiction, regardless of nationality.
“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in our duty to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every individual within our jurisdiction, including foreign nationals,” Acorda said.
“We will continue to work closely with our foreign counterparts to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within our borders,” the top cop added.
The rescued Malaysian nationals were turned over to Malaysian Police Attache, Superintendent Norazman Hassan Basari early Saturday morning.
The PNP’s successful joint operation with the Royal Malaysian Police is a testament to the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing issues related to human rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals, Acorda emphasized.
