DOJ lauds task force

CEBU, Philippines -   Members of the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RAHTTF) 7 received recognition from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their successful operation against the Jaguar KTV Bar which resulted in the rescue of 146 women, including minors, allegedly hired for prostitution.

 Police Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog, Police Senior Superintendent Augusto Marquez, Jr. and Police Senior Inspector Maria Theresa Macatangay received certificates of recognition alongside officers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the DOJ Regional Task Force, and the International Justice Mission.

Macatangay said she is thankful that the DOJ has recognized their efforts against human trafficking in the province.

“We must stop them for the welfare of women,” Macatangay said. She added that the task force is giving its best to save women, especially minors, being traded for sex by traffickers.

DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit Team Leader Edna Regudo said she appreciates the acknowledgment they received from the DOJ.

“It is our job,” said Regudo. With or without the certificate, she said, the DSWD would still continue to assist women who are being taken advantage of. 

Regudo shared that all the rescued women from the Jaguar KTV Bar are now under their custody. They have started contacting the parents and locating the birth certificates of these women.

 Recently, the DOJ granted P1 million in financial assistance to the RAHTTF-7 for its operations. (FREEMAN)