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LCAT-AWC verifies report on the alleged human trafficking

by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) –- To verify the report on the alleged 19 victims of trafficking, the local committee on anti-trafficking and violence against women and their children (LCAT-VAWC) has called for an emergency meeting at the city mayor’s office here on Friday.
LCAT-VAWC vice chairperson Paulina S. Gadiano said after a report they received through text message informing them of the incidence, they immediately requested DSWD regional office IX thru Philippine Information Agency(PIA) to send the list of the victims.
Public employment service office manager Engr. Joseph “Vince’ Quipot VI reported that the victims of human trafficking were rescued last May 20, 2011 by members of the Zamboanga City’s Anti-trafficking Task Force near St. Joseph church in Zamboanga City, quoting Rojas in her message.
The community based social workers then conducted an assessment as basis for an appropriate intervention of government agencies, Quipot said quoting further Rojas’ statement.
The 19 victims, four (4) of whom were minors,were identified by Gadiano and reported to be all from this province.
The names of victims were as follows: William and Elsa Cañeda, Elsa Dinding, Richard Beniot, and Junnel Bucad, Roger Serdoncillo, Roger Serdoncillo, all of purok Rosas, Bulawan; Danta, Francisco, Royland and Julie Vee Calimpong, , Johny Beniot, Mario Maurin, Marjun Torgio, all of Kahayagan, and 4 others who are minors.
Punong barangays Mario Dumanda of Bulawan and Timoteo M. Sabate of Kahayagan were asked to verify the names of the victims.
Dumanda said in the list, he only identified one victim who is still living in his barangay while some of whom have already transferred their residence outside the province. The same observation raised by Sabate.
The LCAT-VAWC ordered city social welfare officer Abdulgani J. Pagayao to conduct an immediate investigation on those who are still residing in the said barangays and find out who are these illegal recruiters.
“We will file appropriate charges against any persons who have found engaged in illegal recruitment and human trafficking,” Gadiano declared.
The LCAT-VAWCI warned Pagadianons against "too good to be true" offers of employment abroad with the assistance of illegal recruiters to avoid being victims of illegal recruitment activities. (JPA/GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian)