Regional Task Force on human trafficking converge

Monday 14th of May 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 14 (PIA) -- Members of the Regional Task Force (RTF) on human trafficking converged to discuss issues and updates at Patio Victoria, Baluarte, San Jose, Tacloban City last May 11.

Traffic Management Group Police Senior Inspector Emmanuel Arteche, who represented Samar, said that it was the monthly meeting of RTF on human trafficking to discuss the refiling of some cases.

“We also discussed the procedures required in admitting and releasing of victims, complainants, witnesses of human trafficking who are under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)," said Arteche.

Northern Samar records show that there are three cases of trafficking in the area: one is already convicted, one acquitted, and one dismissed.

Tacloban City, meawnhile, records six cases of trafficking one suspect was already issued a warrant of arrest, one pleaded guilty, one has been newly assigned to Regional Trial Court Branch 9, and three cases are still being processed.

The RTF body also talked about training and seminar for the PNP.

PSSupt. Wilson Caubat suggested that a training/seminar be conducted to PNP members for better understanding about the case on trafficking and illegal recruitment.

In line with the serious need, the DILG and DOLE representatives said that there is already a training conducted for Borongan Police officers and prosecutors in Samar in March. There is another schedule of training for Prosecutors and Police officers in Leyte this May.

Plan Philippines, a non-government organization for children, also conducting a training to Police officers regarding trafficking.

Members of the Regional Task Force on anti-human trafficking are the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor Leyte, Catarman, Calbayog, Office of the City Prosecutor Maasin, Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, DSWD, National Bureau of Investigation, Plan Philippines, Department of interior and local government, and Department of Labor and Employment. (PIA 8-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)