KABANKALAN CITY INKS PACT AGAINTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Columban Ministry on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, Negros Nine Human Development Foundation, Inc. (NNHDF, INC), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Kabankalan, Negros Occidental launched a symposium on Republic Act 9208 otherwise known as Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 last May 14,2009, at Kabankalan City SP Session Hall.

The focal point of the forum was the “Hidden World of Trafficking, Trends and Situationer” which discussed the exploitative nature and the worsening situation of trafficking.

Vice-Mayor Delia Anacan and Councilor Joan Daclan-Cagape represented the local government of Kabankalan City.

Sixty participants from the Philippine National Police headed by P/Insp. Calixto Mabugat, Adelina Tomaro, CSWD Head, Barangay officials from the various localities, SK Federation Head, line agencies, duty bearers, private sectors, church, academe and stakeholders attended said symposium.

During the forum the City Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (CIACAT) was organized to forge alliance in Kabankalan City to combat trafficking.

Cagape makes her stance to pass a city ordinance for the immediate creation of CIACAT in the city.

Atty. Arnel Sigue, the invited speaker, stressed the salient point of Anti Trafficking Law and the strategy employs by the traffickers to lure innocent victims. He Further urged the local officials to create an inter-agency council against trafficking and stressed the importance of it.

On the other hand, Ancan, challenged the participants to be more vigilant and take part in this endeavour. He also vowed to safeguard the interest of women and children against the opportunist traffickers who take advantage of the vulnerability of the victims.

Jerome E. Seballos
Program Coordinator
NNHDF, Inc.