CNN showcases Cebu's human trafficking efforts

CEBU, Philippines - The efforts of local authorities in Cebu against human trafficking are getting international exposure after the Cable News Network (CNN) showcased this through the “CNN Project Freedom” which was recently aired.

On top of that, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was also hailed as one of the country’s best team after saving more than 400 victims in Central Visayas.

Senior Superintendent Louie Oppus, deputy director for the Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, told The FREEMAN that a team from the CNN came last month to ask the local police on how they are strictly implementing the law.

“They asked gi-unsa namo and we shared our accomplishments,” Oppus said.

The foreign correspondents were checking the accomplishments of the local PNP, which reached them through the International Justice Commission, a non-government organization.

Oppus cited the support they are getting from the local government units, which helped them in fighting the proliferation of the illegal activity.

“We just do our job to the best of our ability and records show man pud,” Oppus said.

Oppus thanked Justice Secretary Liela de Lima who heads the national task force.

“It’s good to know now that there is prosecution na talaga and law-enforcement,” he said.

In a forum with reporters yesterday, Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog said that the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force (RATTF) received a special plaque of recognition for their exceptional anti-trafficking efforts.  

Ontog said the RATTF headed by Sr. Insp. Maria Theresa Makatangay received the recognition which was awarded by no less than President Benigno Aquino III.

The recognition, according to Ontog, was given to RATTF-7 because of their intensified efforts and outstanding records.

The director said the recent recognition proves that the police are serious with their efforts against illegal trafficking.

“Among the regional offices in the county, the PRO-7 has significant initiatives regarding their anti-trafficking campaign that captured the attention of the international community, the PRO-7 has been regarded as the trail blazer regarding this campaign,” Makatangay said.   

In fact, according to Makatangay, RATTF has saved more than 400 victims of human trafficking in their numerous operations in Central Visayas since it was formed on 2009.

She also said that around 52 alleged illegal traffickers were indicted. However, no one has been convicted yet.

Some of the victims have opted not to pursue their fight, leaving the police in pursuing the matter.

But even with this drawback, the RATTF is still positive with the communities’ response to their call for help against illegal trafficking in the region.

“Ang mga tawo, nakamata na – aware na ani nga matang sa krimen and also, mao nga naa na participation to prevent this kind of crimes from happening,” Makatangay added. —(FREEMAN)