The Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation will hold a special presentation on the theme "Mata Na!" on Saturday, at the Women's Center, in Dumaguete City. The activity is initiated by the GWAVE in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Linda Gesalve of GWAVE said it is aimed not just at entertaining but also educating the people about trafficking in persons.

She added that the law on the Anti-Trafficking against Persons Act, or Republic Act 9208, was passed in 2003 but until now many still do not know about it.

Oriental Negros is number three nationwide as a source area or supplier of persons who work as domestic helpers, sex slaves, or might be involved in illegal activities like drugs.

These have been recruited illegally from the hinterland barangays by enticing them with money.

The Zamboanguita police station, DSWD and GWAVE had conducted a raid in the house of a foreign national who was accused of being a pedophile, but the suspect eluded arrest.

A resident of Barangay Bajumpandan, in Dumaguete was also raided by the police, DSWD and GWAVE after on a complaint that the suspect was a cybersex operation inside his house last week. Both the foreigner and the cyber sex operator are now facing cases for violating RA 9208.

GWAVE encourages those who are targets of trafficking and their parents to be vigilant and not to easily get attracted with money.*MA

back to top