Project ACE holds tribute to partners, highlights achievements on OSAEC, trafficking in Normin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — World Vision’s Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) held an activity to acknowledge partners in the fight against child exploitation and trafficking in the region dubbed, ‘Project ACE Stakeholders’ Close Out Validation and Sustainability Planning: A Tribute to Partners” event on August 9.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate the region’s victories against child exploitation and trafficking.

Merlyn Uy, the Department of Justice (DOJ)-10 regional prosecutor and head of the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force (RATTF)-10, presented the department’s achievements, as well as future strategies and plans to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

According to her, RATTF-10 is focused on conducting training seminars for stakeholders in Region 10 on the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act.

World Vision’s Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) holds the ‘Project ACE Stakeholders’ Close Out Validation and Sustainability Planning: A Tribute to Partners” event on August 9, with plaques and certificates of recognition awarded to celebrate the successes of all involved stakeholders. (Photo: PJSF/PIA-10)

When dealing with these cases, the prosecutor also emphasized the need for a videotaped in-depth disclosure interview (VIDI) to avoid re-traumatizing the victims as a result of several interviews.

“In fact, we were able to secure a conviction in one case of OSAEC here in the region just very recently in Iligan, wherein we did not have to present the child. We just had to present the VIDI to the court,” said Uy.

She stated that RATTF-10 currently has two sets of VIDI kits, one in Cagayan de Oro and the other in Iligan. The department plans to get another for Ozamiz in connection with the development of the anti-OSAEC specialized tri-city justice zone, which will be established in the three listed cities.

Meanwhile, Project ACE also donated two VIDI kits, one to Cagayan de Oro City and the other to the region.

Daphne Culanag, project director of World Vision Project ACE, thanked the organization’s local partners for their support and dedication to the cause. World Vision also presented plaques of recognition to its local partners, including the Philippine Information Agency-10. (LREMS/PIA-10)

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