The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reported that 17 Malaysian nationals were rescued working under allegedly poor conditions in a company based in Kawit, Cavite.
PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr said that a joint rescue operation was conducted at 10:30 p.m. Friday by the Police Regional Intelligence Division 4-A CALABARZON and the Royal Malaysia Police with the assistance of the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Cavite Police, and Kawit Municipal Police.
Authorities said the Malaysians sought help due to poor working conditions inside the offices of real estate company Klaire One Corp. and have expressed their decision to leave the company.
The rescued Malaysians have been 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 applauded the success of the operation with the Royal Malaysian Police and said that it is a testament to the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing issues related to human rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
“The PNP 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,” he added.
The rescued workers were turned over to Supt. Norazman Hassan Basari, Police Attache of the Malaysian Police.