RBAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- Focal persons of the Regional Committee Against Trafficking - Violence Against Women and their Children (RCAT-VAWC) were oriented on Republic Act 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
The said law, which took effect in July this year, amends RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Cordillera Against Trafficking Task Force Head Prosecutor Ruth Bernabe discussed the salient features of the RA 11862 emphasizing the important role of each member of the RCAT-VAWC and other government agencies and stakeholders in the prevention of VAWC-related cases and trafficking in person.
One key provision of the said law is making accountable "internet intermediaries" who "knowingly or by gross negligence allow their internet infrastructure to be used for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons."
The law also classifies producing, printing, and issuing or distributing unissued, tampered, or fake passports and birth certificates as acts that promote trafficking in persons.
Department of Social Welfare and Development - Cordillera Regional Director Leo Quintilla stressed that it is a must to understand the new law and strengthen the campaign against VAWC and trafficking in persons because of the possibilities cybercrime and child pornography especially with the opening of tourism, resumption of face-to-face classes, and with the strong internet connectivity.
To further strengthen the campaign, Quintilla said that "we have to engage the private non-government organizations and other civil society organizations to better address the issue of human especially child trafficking".
He added the Cordillera has a very good economic condition and part of sustaining it is protecting the children.
"We have to defend and to sustain this gain of Cordillera and part diyan is the protection of children. They have to be protected; they have to be in school, and they have to graduate and to gain good job or opportunity para ma-sustain ang growth ng Cordillera," Quintilla added. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
