Authorities have rescued at least 31 people from trafficking gangs in two separate operations in the north and south of the country, vice-president Jejomar Binay announced today.

Binay said 13 women forced into prostitution were rescued in the northern province of Laguna, while 18 other people were picked up in the southern province of Tawi-Tawi, while being smuggled to Malaysia.

“I thank all the member-agencies of the IACAT [Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking] for their unwavering vigilance in going after human traffickers, especially those who exploit our women, children and less fortunate [citizens],” said Binay.

In Laguna, authorities carried out a sting operation last week at a resort near Binan.

Government agents posing as customers had ordered young women from three procurers for a stag party at the resort.

The pimps were arrested after the women arrived and money changed hands. Two of the women were minors aged just 15 and 16.

Meanwhile, in Tawi-Tawi, an IACAT task force rescued seven women and 11 men who were about to be smuggled to Malaysia.

The 18 were found on a ship about to depart for Malaysia from Bongao town.