Trafficking increase blamed on materialism

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu City assistant prosecutor said materialism and the desire to lift oneself out of poverty is the reason why the number of human trafficking cases is still increasing despite a massive government campaign.

“Para man gud sa uban ang (It is because for others, the) sign sa (of) progress is through material things or kaha mahaw-as sa kalisod (when he gets out of poverty). Kinsa man ang ganahan magkalisod (Who likes to be in dire straits)? Apan daghan man ang pamaagi para ma-improve ang atong kaugalingon (There are other ways to improve ourselves),” said Prosecutor Maria Luisa Ratilla yesterday.

Ratilla is a member of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) yesterday.

Another reason, she said, is that people, especially those from the far-flung areas, are unaware about trafficking and are easily lured by the promises of traffickers.

She said she heard that traffickers are now targeting those victimized by super typhoon Yolanda.

The Department of Justice is also aware of the reports, and has ordered a strengthened campaign against traffickers.

“We received a mandate from the Secretary (Leila de Lima for us) to monitor the suspected victims of trafficking, especially those coming from Tacloban, Samar and Leyte,” Ratilla said.

When the IACAT visited the different evacuation centers for typhoon victims in Cebu, it came across one possible victim of  trafficking.

The suspected victim was an orphan whom someone allegedly approached and told to proceed to a house to meet someone if he/she wanted to earn money.

Ratilla said there are those who would just keep quiet; but because of information from the media and help from advocates, victims have gained courage to open up and cooperate with authorities.

She said the problem calls for the cooperation of everyone.

“Dili ni siya pwede maresolba lang sa usa ka tawo, sa usa lang ka gobyerno, sa pipila lang ka (This problem cannot be solved by just one person, or just the government, or just a few) local government units, kundi ang pagtabang sa tanan, sa (but with the help of all, the) police ug sa mga (and the) media partners,” Ratilla said. (FREEMAN)