Lapu-Lapu councilor leads anti-human trafficking drive

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Queenie Amman, who is the chairperson of the committee on women, children and family, said the city government has made significant advances with Republic Act 9208, popularly known as the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act.

Amman said this is concrete proof that the anti-trafficking bodies in the city have intensified their campaign to address the seemingly rising problem of human trafficking in specific areas in the city and that this campaign is fairly successful.

The Lapu-Lapu City Local Council for Women, Child Protection and Nutrition is the lead implementing agency to conduct surveillance and rescue trafficked persons, Amman said.

This year, Amman said the group conducted unannounced inspections of bars and clubs.

Her group had also helped two victims of illegal recruitment return to their hometown.

The city government has allotted P500,000 to cover the implementation of the Lapu-Lapu City Anti-Trafficking in persons ordinance.

Under the ordinance, the city government will fine any business establishment with P5,000 if found violating the law.

To recall, the Philippines was removed from the list of countries which have reportedly high prevalence of human trafficking cases because of the said convictions.

This helped improve the image of the country in the international community as these proved that the Philippine government is really serious in curbing human trafficking within its borders.   (FREEMANNEWS)