Anti-Trafficking in Persons ordinance passed

By Ruel B. Francisco

Thursday 5th of July 2012

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, July 5 (PIA) -- The provincial government through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently passed an ordinance that will protect the people, especially women and children from threats of violence and exploitation.

Governor Jonvic Remulla approved Provincial Ordinance No. 009-S-2012 sponsored by Provincial Board Member Raul Rex D. Mangubat during the 83rd regular session last month (June 11, 2012). It will be known as “Anti-Trafficking in Persons of the Province of Cavite.”

The provincial government “recognizes its vital role in addressing the problem of trafficking, especially women and children and will institute policies and programs to prevent, protect and rehabilitate victims of trafficking.”

It will create the Provincial Council on Anti-Trafficking which will be headed by the provincial governor as chairman and the head of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the Committee on Women, Family and Social Services will be the vice chairman.

The council will formulate a comprehensive and integrated program to prevent and suppress trafficking in person, coordinate with local government units (LGUs) the programs and activities related to the campaign against trafficking, facilitate the successful prosecution of trafficking cases, establish a witness protection and support services program for victims of trafficking that will include the establishment of a safe house for rescued victims, basic welfare and legal services, incentives in the form of financial support or alternative livelihood opportunities.

To understand fully the said ordinance, an information campaign shall be undertaken by the provincial government by establishing the so-called Migrant Advisory and Information Network (MAIN) desk in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other concerned agencies, organizations and individuals.

The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) will conduct information dissemination activities at the barangay level including similar activities to be conducted in schools, churches and communities.

Funds for the effective implementation of the said ordinance will be taken from the Gender and Development (GAD) fund.

The approved ordinance adopted the provisions of Republic Act 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 took effect on June 19 of the same year.

It aims “to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons, especially women and children, establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons, providing penalties for its violation and for other purposes," among others. (CPG/RBF/PIA-Cavite)