Duterte Admin Urges Public To Report Cases Of Human Trafficking, Violence Against Women To Hotline 1343

In today’s episode of its radio program aired over DZRH 666AM radio, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to report all cases of human trafficking through its hotline number 1343, in line with its continued and strengthened fight against the crime.

Considered a transnational crime because of its actual and potential effects across national borders, human trafficking is illegally transporting people from one country or area to another for forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.

According to DSWD Social Welfare Officer Grace Blando, one of the resource persons during the episode, the DSWD is a member of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and is currently implementing the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).

The RRPTP is a comprehensive program that ensures adequate recovery and reintegration services to those who have been victims of human trafficking.

It includes a case management, where the problems and needs of the victims are analyzed, in order to implement appropriate interventions.

The services provided by the DSWD for trafficked persons under the program include capital assistance, referral to employers and business partners, and the provision of financial assistance for employment and during skills training.

In addition, auxiliary services given to the victims or witnesses include board and lodging, documentation, and incidental expenses.

The Department also accommodates those victims who are in search of temporary shelter to recover from their trauma, as well as those with on-going court cases.

In 2016, the Department has received an award from the IACAT for its contributions to the country’s anti-human trafficking campaign through the RRPTP.

Other than human trafficking, the episode also tackled the programs and services of the DSWD to assist abused women.

DSWD Project Officer Elgin Mazo shared the data in 2016 about the different cases of violence against women (VAW) recorded by the Department.

According to her, the DSWD has provided assistance to 2,797 Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDCs) or those who are victims of sexual violence, abuse, exploitation, illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and armed conflict.

The program also tackled the provisions of the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive women’s rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by promoting their rights, as well as the Solo Parents Welfare Act, which is a comprehensive package of social development and welfare services for solo parents and their families.

Source: DSWD.Gov