Human Trafficking: Alamin at Sugpuin!  This was the resounding slogan of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking XI Network (IACAT XI Network) in its Launching of Massive Postering Campaign at RD Jof Suyao unveils Anti-Human Trafficking Poster with Regional Prosecutor Antonio Arellano of DOJ and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte during the launch of massive postering campaign last July 16, 2013 at the NCCC Mall Davao.the NCCC Mall of Davao on July 16, 2013.  Department of Labor and Employment XI Director Joffrey M. Suyao, an active member of the network, unveiled the Information, Education and Communication materials that call for the prevention and protection of all forms of trafficking.

“The DOLE fully supports this massive campaign against Trafficking In Persons as this illegal activity always leads the victims to prostitution, child labor, organ donation, and forced labor.   The launching of the postering campaign served timely after the successful apprehension in June 2013 of a business establishment owner operating in Davao City, who now face charges of qualified trafficking for employing minors and Indigenous Peoples from Paquibato and Marilog Districts.  The rescue operation was made possible thru the IACAT XI Network’s Enforcement Cluster whose composition involved a team of labor inspectors from DOLE XI,” Suyao said.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, a staunch defender of women and children, vowed to protect Davao City from criminals who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of Dabawenyos.  Duterte called for the Barangay Local Government Units to remain vigilant being in the grassroots where the recruitment takes place. He warned illegal recruiters and traffickers that Davao City should be the last place they should operate.

IACAT XI Network is composed of three clusters. The Department of Justice leads the Enforcement and Prosecution cluster; Department of Social Welfare and Development for Psychosocial cluster; and Department of Interior and Local Government for the Advocacy cluster. DOLE XI sits in the Enforcement and Prosecution and Advocacy clusters.  Aside from its commitment to the network, DOLE regularly provides lectures on Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Campaigns.

For the next 7 months, one-minute videos on anti-trafficking in persons shall be played in all units of the Maligaya Taxis.  Anti-TIP stickers shall also be posted in buses; posters shall be made visible in malls and partner-establishments; and advocacies shall be made stronger in schools, academic institutions and at the barangay level.  IACAT XI Network believes that an educated and informed public shall help put end to human trafficking and envisions that no Filipino shall be victimized by this crime against humanity.

This regional event is also supported by the local government units from the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur; government agency partners from DILG, DOJ, DSWD, CHED, PIA, CAAP, IGDD and CSSDO of Davao City LGU, NBI, PNP, POEA, NCIP, CHR, DFA, and OWWA; Child Alert, Tambayan, Talikala, Mindanao Migrants and other non-government organization, partners and advocates. Students and representatives from the academe also joined the launching activity.

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