US ambassador here for human trafficking confab

CEBU, Philippines - United States Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. is set to grace the launching of the Movement of Anti-Human Trafficking Advocates in Cebu this afternoon at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Thomas is set to deliver the keynote message during the launching organized by the Visayan Forum and the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan headed by Provincial Board Member Aladin Wilyamie Caminero.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will also deliver a solidarity message highlighting the anti-trafficking initiatives of the Province of Cebu.

All municipal officials, barangay captains and SK chairmen were invited to attend the program and covenant signing.

“This is in solidarity with all the women and children in Cebu, who are victims of domestic servitude, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse and exploitation,” Caminero said.

During this occasion, the PPSK will also be awarding prizes for the province-wide poster making contest with the theme, “Pagtrapiko sa Tawo Sugpuon ug Batukan.”

The cash prizes will be taken from the financial assistance given by Garcia to the PPSK.

The PPSK in coordination with the Office of the Governor and the Visayan Forum is currently engaging in a campaign in Cebu for the protection and welfare of trafficked women and children.

The Provincial Government of Cebu is one of the leading local government units in the country that gives teeth and flesh to the campaign to eradicate human trafficking in Cebu and fearlessly run after the traffickers through the tipster and witness protection programs.

Garcia ordered the creation of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force last year.

The International Justice Mission earlier presented Cebu as a model in the anti-human trafficking response to the US Congress.

IJM national director Andrey Sawchenko brought the staff of US Senator Thad Cochran to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for a briefing on the programs of the provincial government against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Sawchenko said the provincial government has been one of their most important allies in the fight against human trafficking.

Cebu authorities have made a series of arrests, and Garcia said these should send a strong signal to those who would even contemplate abusing children that the provincial government would use all its resources in coordination with law enforcement agencies in protecting women and minors. (FREEMAN)