IJM, PECOJON launch Justice Award

CEBU, Philippines - The International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON) have launched the Justice Award to highlight the role of journalists in the drive against human trafficking.

In a press briefing yesterday, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that journalists have a vital role in the fight to reduce, if not eliminate, cases of human trafficking in Cebu.

“We cannot do this alone but we need the help of the journalist,” Magpale said, explaining that facing human trafficking is a long fight.

Insp. Ma. Theresa Macatangay, team leader of Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force-7, said that law enforcers are serious and committed in the campaign against human trafficking.

Andrey Sawchenko, national director of IJM Philippines, said they are coordinating with different agencies and local government units in their operations.

IJM is a human rights agency that deals with victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of trafficking.

From June 2007 to March 31, 2013, at least 524 sex trafficking victims were rescued in Metro Cebu. — (FREEMAN)