PALO, Leyte – Two minors who were allegedly victims of human trafficking were rescued by police operatives with the help of the system used in the five-minute response time initiative.
Alias “Rona,” a 15-year-old female, out-of-school youth and resident of Brgy. Tambulilid, Ormoc City and alias “Diana,” a 15-year-old female, resident of Brgy. Lilo-an, Ormoc City, Leyte were aboard a bus bound for Metro Manila when the vehicle they were riding was intercepted in Brgy. Carayman, Calbayog City, Samar, on Monday August 18, 2025.
The operation was conducted after alias “Diana” reported to Ormoc City Police Office (CPO) that her sister allegedly falls victim of human trafficking.
Using the Zello app, an application designed to strengthen communication, the Provincial Tactical Operation Center (PTOC) directed all units to conduct a dragnet operation to arrest the suspect and rescue the victims onboard a Diamond Star bus, body #8073, heading to Luzon.
When the Calbayog City Police Station received the information, it immediately put up a checkpoint along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Carayman and successfully intercepted one female of legal age, along with two children.
The suspect was identified as a certain “Linda,” a 31-year-old, unemployed resident of Brgy. Lilo-an, Ormoc City, Leyte.
The Philippine National Police introduced the use of internet-based Zello application and the conventional radio to lower the police response time to three to five minutes.
Police Regional Office 8 chief PBGen Jason Capoy commended the prompt response of the Calbayog City Police Station (CPS).
“The prompt response of our personnel in Calbayog CPS reflects their steadfast dedication to protecting the vulnerable, especially minors, from the threats of human trafficking,” Capoy said. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to act swiftly against those who exploit others and to ensure that justice is served.”
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