The rescue earlier this week of 13 female trafficking victims in Palawan province has prompted calls from the Church to aggressively address the problem.

Fr Juan Felipe Torrecampo, head of the Commission on Social Action and Special Concerns in the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa, said victims risk such exploitation because they seek greater economic opportunities abroad.

“There are regular ferries from the town of Balabac in Palawan to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. Some locals themselves go to Malaysia to look for jobs without proper documentation.”

He added that when Church authorities receive requests for assistance from victims of human trafficking, they refer them to relevant state agencies to avoid being implicated as an accessory.

“It’s difficult to get involved. We would like to help but it would send the wrong signals and could lead to complaints.”

Philippine marines rescued the 13 women and arrested a suspect serving as their “guide” on November 22, a military spokesman announced today.

Lt Col Omar Tonsay said the victims were brought to the Western Command hospital in Princesa City yesterday “for medical examination and debriefing before they are turned over to proper authorities.”

Fr Torrecampo said many victims are legitimate traders, while others often find their way into prostitution either out of duplicity on the part of brokers or economic desperation.

He added that the government has been vigilant about human trafficking but that the problem is too widespread and requires more resources.

“Using the ‘back door’ is cheaper to reach Kota Kinabalu. The transportation cost is only 3,000 pesos (US$55.56).”

Those traveling to Malaysia illegally for work often don’t have passports but can obtain a 10-day stay visa, he added.

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