DSWDand South Cotabato has zero human trafficking case
KORONADAL CITY
(Sept. 16/NDBC) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in
the Region 12 today announced South Cotabatoprovince has been free from human
traffickers.
No single
case of human trafficking was reported in the province since January 2014,
according to Naira Aratuc, DSWD 12 social welfare officer.
During the
Provincial Inter-Agency meeting, Aratuc reported and attributed the zero”
trafficking case to DSWD intensified advocacy campaign.
Among the
campaign DSWD had implemented was the conduct of symposia, meeting, public
debate where peoples’ awareness on human trafficking has increased.
Her statement
was corroborated by a senior police officer in charge of the monitoring and
implementation of violence against women and children law.
Police Senior
Inspector Marfil Maganto of the Women’s and Children Protection Desk of South
Cotabato Provincial Police Office, said the successful campaign against human
trafficking was achieved by empowering the social workers or service providers and
educate them in assisting victims of human trafficking in the past years.
Data from
DSWD-12 showed that out of 22 cases of human trafficking recorded in
SOCCSKSARGEN region, 10 were from North Cotabato, eight from Sultan Kudarat,
three from General Santos City and one from Sarangani Province.
No case was
reported in the cities of Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Cotabato.
Aratuc said before
sending them back to their respective families, human trafficking victims have
to undergo counselling and re-integration process.
They were also
given, economic assistance, aftercare and referrals for possible employment,
Aratuc said. (NDBC)