In a press briefing Wednesday, DSWD Regional Director Restituto
Macuto said the region has already recorded 131 human trafficking cases from
2015 to third week of July 2018.
“This crime persists in the region due to poverty, lack of
awareness, persuasion by family members and peers, and desire to earn more
money. The number of reported cases has been increasing, but from our point of
view, this happens because more people are aware of their rights,” Macuto told
reporters.
The latest case was documented on July 19 where 40 people,
including minors, were rescued while heading to Pangasinan to work as laborers
in illegal fish pens. At least 32 of the victims are from Eastern Visayas
region.
This year alone, the region has already recorded 60 human
trafficking cases, higher than the 35 individuals who fell into the hands of
illegal recruiters last year. Of the total cases in the region, 71 were
documented from 2015 to 2017.
"The fight to end human trafficking is a responsibility we
all must share, from law enforcement and policymakers to service providers and
faith-based leaders. Our main responsibility and social obligation is to offer
the victims of human trafficking a chance to remember good things. However, the
issue of human trafficking is complex in nature, and cannot be addressed only
by one organization, or by government alone,” Macuto said.
The DSWD vowed to continue supporting trafficking victims through
the implementation of the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked
Persons (RRPTP).
The RRPTP is a comprehensive program that ensures adequate
recovery and reintegration services for those who have been victims of human
trafficking. It includes a case management, where the problems and needs of the
victims are analyzed, in order to implement appropriate interventions.
The services provided by the DSWD for trafficked persons under the
program include capital assistance, referral to employers and business
partners, and the provision of financial assistance for employment and during
skills training.
In addition, auxiliary services given to the victims or witnesses
include board and lodging, documentation, and incidental expenses.
The department also accommodates victims in search of temporary
shelter to recover from their trauma, as well as those with ongoing court
cases.
The DSWD renewed its call for stronger ties to fight the crime as
the world will celebrate the Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 as
set by the United Nations.
Trafficking in persons, according to the United Nations, is a
serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of
men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own
countries and abroad. (SQM/PNA)
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