The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday that 86 victims of human trafficking were rescued in separate operations in southern Philippines.

PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said rescue operations were launched on January 10 after the agency received information that two vessels along Petro Bay Wharf in Zamboanga City were carrying human trafficking victims.

Personnel from the PCG boarded M/L Nurhira where they found 50 victims of human trafficking. Another 36 victims aboard M/L Fatimaraiza were rescued in a follow-up operation.

Balilo said the victims were bound for Sabah, Malaysia where they expected to work after an illegal recruiter promised them jobs in exchange for 2,500 pesos ($61.5).

The victims were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.