Women and children's desk on ships sought

Cebu - Shipping vessels should set up desk for women and children as an effective way of detecting and cur-bing trafficking of women and children.

Regional Development Council (RDC)-Social Development Council chairperson Teresa Fernandez, who introduced the resolution to the RDC, reported that trafficking of women and children has increased in recent years.

The Regional Sub-Committee on Gender, Anti-trafficking and Violence against Women (RSC-GATV) likewise noticed that traffickers have been using passenger ships to ferry their victims.

“The RSC-GATV saw the need for a concerted effort by stakeholders to minimize and eventually eliminate trafficking of women and children,” said the resolution, which was later approved by the RDC.

The RDC is chaired by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Furthermore, the RDC asks the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to initiate the establishment of desk for women and children on shipping vessels.

“The RSC-GATV recognized the importance of establishing women’s and children’s desk in shipping vessels as an effective way of detecting and curbing trafficking of women and children,” the resolution read. — Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)