Provincial ABC to help fight human trafficking

CEBU, Philippines - Following the challenge hurled to the Sangguniang Kabataan officials in the Province of Cebu, the Liga ng mga Barangay has also manifested their desire to help in the campaign against human trafficking.

Provincial Board Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. who heads the Liga ng mga Barangay in the Province said that in two months, the association would put in place a barrio travel and location registry which requires all the residents to put on the registry the address and contact details of their family members who are away from home.

“We intend to encourage the parents to keep in close touch with their kids and to immediately report to the authorities those who have lost contact,” Holganza said during the launching of the Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) recently held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The launching was attended by United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. who assured the continuing support of their government in the fight against human trafficking as he challenged the Cebuano youth to implement aggressive measures.

Thomas and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia led the signing of commitment during the launching of MATA organized by the Province of Cebu through the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) and Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. with the support of the Unites States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“We will do this together with the SKs and this is practical for barrios with no more than a 5,000 population,” Holganza said.

He admitted that having a more extensive network would be needed for urban barrios with more than 40,000 people.

Holganza said that with non-government organizations like MATA, the Visayan Forum, International Justice Mission and with government bodies like the Cebu Women’s Commission and with allies like the US government and USAID, they can overcome any problem.

During the launching, Garcia admired PB Member Aladin Wilyamie Caminero who heads the PPSK, for taking up the challenge and having the youth onboard.

Caminero expressed confidence that they “can inspire other people to open their eyes and watch out for vultures who seek to undermine their efforts to protect their constituents especially the youth, women and children from clutches of these human trafficking syndicates.” — (FREEMAN)