Manila, Sept. 5 -- Authorities rescued four persons, including minors, and arrested two suspected illegal recruiters in an anti-human trafficking operation this week.

In a report Friday, Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the operation was carried out after a concerned family member reported to the police that one of the students failed to return home from school.

The victims were inside a van being transported aboard a vessel, which departed Masbate City Port at about noon on Wednesday and was scheduled to arrive at Pio Duran Port by 5 p.m.

Authorities were able to intercept the victims and arrest the suspects before they could leave the port premises.

Calubaquib said initial investigati...