Editorial - Fighting human trafficking

In a historic move, the Cebu provincial government entered into an agreement with government agencies and the private sector for a coordinated campaign against human trafficking.

The memorandum of agreement, signed days ago at the Capitol, is aimed at fighting human traffickers through an intensified implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act in the province.

The signing of the agreement should send a strong signal to human traffickers that their days in Cebu are numbered, as they no longer have business to deal with in the province.

Good thing Cebu has been leading in the crusade against human trafficking. In September last year, the Capitol created the Cebu Task Force Against Trafficking, a first of its kind in the country.

Since prostitution has become a lucrative trade, human trafficking has become a modernized business across the country with syndicates targeting poor women from the provinces, especially minors, who are promised decent jobs but end up in bars and prostitution dens in the capital.

Cebu, however, has become the transshipment point in this illegal trade. But lately, several arrests have been made in the port area where trafficked women from the provinces, mostly minors, were rescued.

Just weeks ago, authorities rescued several girls recruited in Bohol supposedly for employment in Manila. Their recruiters have been arrested and are now are facing human trafficking charges.

With the signing of the pact, the provincial government means real business against human trafficking, sending a message that there’s no letup in going after those involved in such illegal activity.

The fight against human trafficking, however, can only be won if all sectors will unite. The government cannot eradicate the problem alone.

It badly needs the participation of the private sector, especially those concerned citizens, to combat such menace.