The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides steadfast assistance to the 10 victims of human trafficking in Biñan and Calamba, Laguna.
According to reports from two separate operations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Human Trafficking Division, three minors were rescued in Biñan from Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).
“The remaining seven victims were rescued from commercial sexual exploitation,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency’s spokesperson.
The DSWD swiftly provided psychosocial counseling and temporary referral support for the victims, ensuring they received the necessary care, stated Dumlao.
“As co-chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Dumlao urged the public to report any instances of human trafficking and sexual abuse. “The DSWD condemns such activities. We need to break the ‘no touch, no harm’ mentality. OSAEC and CSAEM are forms of violence against children and are punishable crimes under the law,” Dumlao emphasized.
Additionally, Dumlao mentioned that the DSWD continues to coordinate with the Philippine National Police and NBI to track and apprehend human trafficking suspects.