PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — Information dissemination must be strengthened among van operators and hotel owners about human trafficking, as Palawan is feared to be a sex tourism destination with the observed influx of tourists, says Palawan PIACAT.
Atty. Mary Joy Ordaneza-Cascara, assistant legal officer of the Provincial Legal Officer and member of the Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (PIACAT), said that the council is working on information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns for key players in the tourism-related industry.
It includes van operators that could transport potential trafficked persons with or without their knowledge. It is also extended to owners of accommodations, as they are liable if illegal activities take place in their areas.
“Based sa data na na-i-present last year, with the increase of tourists in the province at sa pagtaas ng mga in-open na hotels and tourist destinations, may possibility na maging destination for sex tourism or trafficked persons na yong employed sa bars,” she said.
The influx of tourists is also evident in the inflation rate of Puerto Princesa in October, which served as the main driver of its acceleration.
Increasing their awareness about violence against women and children as well as human trafficking will help concerned agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) take immediate action on the illegal activity.
Owners of accommodations should also be aware that they must observe laws prohibiting establishments from promoting activities such as child abuse and sexual abuse of children.
“It’s either alam nila o hindi nila alam, kawawa naman kung madamay sila na hindi naman nila nalalaman—Magiging liable din ang owners ng inn kapag napatunayan na ina-allow niya ‘yong situations na ito or wala siyang ginawa to prevent that kind of situation,” she said.
The efforts of the council are in line with the continuous effort to combat violence and human trafficking in the recently launched 18-day campaign to end violence against women on November 28.
For inquiries and concerns, the Palawan PIACAT can be reached through the following: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) landline 433-9216; Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Palawan landline 434-5130, 0998-793-2468, [email protected]; and Palawan Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP-WCPD) landline 0921-736-2670, [email protected] (RG/PIA Mimaropa – Palawan)
