Travel operators to help fight human trafficking

CEBU, Philippines – Capitol has tapped tour and travel operators in Cebu in its fight against human trafficking.

In a meeting yesterday of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force called by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, tour and travel operators expressed their all out support to the campaign. They agreed to put posters and stickers on the fight against human trafficking in their respective offices as the Philippine National Police will also display the same in different police stations.

During the meeting, it was also agreed that airline and shipping companies be also included as some customers bought directly their tickets even through internet and no longer through travel agencies.

Garcia said that she will be calling for another meeting with other stakeholders and convene a workshop which will include everyone involved in the travel industry. There was also a plan to tap the Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu (HRACC).

The province has declared an all out war against all forms of criminalities, including the human trafficking.

Garcia said there is a lot to accomplish "for as long as you get the active cooperation and collaboration of the different agencies as well as the private sector."

The Province of Cebu was declared insurgency-free after the governor declared all out war against insurgents, communist terrorists and the New People's Army.

In the campaign against all forms of criminalities, the provincial government also implemented the witness protection program to encourage and ensure the safety of potential witnesses who will give their testimony not only during the trial of criminal cases but also and more importantly during the police unit's investigation.

Crimes covered under the program include murder, parricide, homicide, rape with homicide, rape, robbery with homicide, bank robbery, highway robbery, violation of comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (RA 9165), illegal possession of firearms, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, illegal logging, illegal fishing (RA 8550) and kidnapping.

To qualify, prospective witnesses shall be screened by the members of the witness protection security and benefit committee composed of the Provincial Legal Officer, a representative of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and the Chief of the Police Regional Office. (FREEMAN)