The municipality of Sibulan is the first local government unit in Oriental Negros to organize an Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons.

The Visayan Forum Foundation and the United States Aid for International Development recently conducted a two-day trainors training in the town, to combat trafficking in persons.

In 2006, the province formed the Provincial Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons through the effort of former Governor now 2nd District Rep. George Arnaiz and Board Member Mariant Escano-Villegas.

Ligaya Abadesco, spokesperson of the Visayan Forum Foundation in Central Visayas, said trafficking in persons has been a proliferating business syndicate in the country.

Based on records, Oriental Negros was identified as third in the country in producing domestic workers who might be working as sex slaves, or are involved in illegal drugs or child labor. Despite this, no one has been penalized for trafficking, which is punishable under Repbulic Act 9208, she said, adding that they wanted to step up the campaign against trafficking.

Abadesco said Sibulan is now considered and identified as one of the source areas for human trafficking because of its proximity to Cebu, and the presence of entertainment bars in the town. Abdesco said he hopes that, through the vigilance of the community, the number of innocent victims will be reduced.*MA

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