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By Bohol Standard

Wanting to once and for all confront the growing concern of human trafficking, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto expressed interest in having an anti-trafficking summit in Bohol.

Gov. Chatto made this challenge during last Friday’s Regional Peace and Order Council held at Bohol Tropics, this city.

The governor cited that advancement in technology and the upsurge of tourists in the country has led to the sad realization that human trafficking, as a consequence, has escalated.

The incident in Ubay last October 22 which led to the entrapment of human traffickers resulting in the rescue of 12 victims, seven of whom are minors, confirmed that the problem is serious and that it’s high time to face reality that immorality is a very high price to pay in exchange for development; that it cannot be permitted to persist.

“The human trafficking law (HTL) has not been fully explained to the community and we need to address this concern with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” Chatto stressed.

In the meeting, Fernando Gubalane, Head of the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force created by Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, presented to council members the updates on the human trafficking situation in Region 7 and the activities his office has conducted to address this mounting threat to human and moral values

Among these activities included the launching of the Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) with the Sangguniang Kabataan, the songwriting competition spearheaded by the A.C.T. (Against Child Trafficking), and the MOA signing between the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force and the various stakeholders of the Task Force on Criminality.

Said activities caught Chatto’s attention that he wants similar activities done in the province.

“We must give highest priority to the enactment of measures and the development of programs that will promote human dignity, protect the people from any threat of violence and exploitation, and discourage servitude in any form,” said a determined Chatto.

Republic Act (RA) 9208, known as “The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003” has instituted policies in the elimination of trafficking in persons especially women and children, thereby establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the support and protection of alleged victims.

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