38 Rescued from Supposed Human Trafficking Operations in Bohol

Thirty-eight individuals, including 28 minors, were rescued from suspected human-trafficking operations in Bohol, a report on GMA’s “24 Oras” on Sunday said.

According to the report, husband and wife Matthew and Dalisay Dwinells were said to have presented themselves as missionaries and brought the victims from Cebu to Bohol for adoption from their orphanage.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), however, said that the couple is not registered to operate any orphanage in the area.

“The condition of shelter, it’s not a facility. It’s just a house rented,” DSWD Provincial Head Mita Tecson said.

Sought for comment, the couple said they just forgot to file the necessary permits to operate as an orphanage.

“We’re trying to serve God, we’re trying to help children. We’re trying to break bondages of poverty. This is a very big surprise and very disheartening, being treated like criminals,” Dalisay Dwinells said.

The couple is currently facing charges of human trafficking. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News

(Source: GMAnetwork.com)