by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (26 May) -- Convergence of all efforts remains very crucial in the fight against trafficking in persons.

Ambassador Hilario Davide, Jr. stressed during the United Nations General Assembly that the synergy in all intergovernmental efforts against human trafficking is very important.

He said that human trafficking is a gross violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He explained that human trafficking is not only a form of slavery but far worse than any form of slavery in a civilized world.

In Capiz, Provincial Prosecutor Rudolfo Beluso, who chairs the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (PIACAT), disclosed that they continue to conduct advocacy activities in the towns in Capiz regarding human trafficking.

Beluso said that they have started the orientation activities with the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as municipal and barangay officials regarding Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Human Trafficking Act.

He pointed out that human trafficking usually starts at the villages which need the active participation of the barangay officials and the community to prevent the illegal activity.

Awareness by the community on the elements and the way how human trafficking is committed is very crucial to prevent human trafficking, especially women and girls who are the usual victims of said crime, Beluso said.

Beluso added that plans to create a committee against human trafficking down to the barangay level are underway to have close coordination on said effort.

Meanwhile, Davide has been urging all nations, through the United Nations to address the issue of improving coordination of anti-trafficking efforts, including the development of a global plan of action to fight trafficking.