QCPD activates task force vs trafficking of women

The Quezon City Police District has activated a task force, composed of female officers, to combat groups engaged in the trafficking of women and to concentrate on cases of violence against children and women.

The new police unit, called "Sagip Babae," was activated at the 11 police stations in the city as an offshoot of the renewed campaign of the city government against crimes related to children and women.

In a recent meeting with Department of Social Services, QCPD and non-government organizations, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. vowed to make the city a showcase for the concentrated effort in the implementation of law against violence and trafficking of women and children.

The QC Gender and Development Resources and Coordinating Office (GADRCO), headed by Ruby Palma, is coordinating with various agencies to ensure the implementation of the laws related to the welfare of women and children.

"Enforcing good laws is for the good of the people. Let’s show the people we can do it," the mayor urged city officials.

Under the project, City Hall and the police will conduct operations against known pimps, illegal recruiters and establishments suspected of engaging in human trafficking.

The city government, upon recommendation of the task force, will revoke business permits and licenses of establishments found involved in the trafficking of women.

Earlier this year, the city government, in coordination with the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women in Asia Pacific and the QCPD conducted seminars on Republic Act 9208, or the Anti Women Trafficking Act.

A similar seminar was conducted with city prosecutors, justices, police and the representatives from the Business Permit and Licensing Office as part of the effort to tackle crimes against women and children at the grassroots level.

The GADRCO has also been conducting regular meetings with various organizations to coordinate in rescue operations involving exploited women and children. – Perseus Echeminada