RIACAT XI strengthens fight against trafficking
Davao City (19 July) -- Some 22 members of the Regional Interagency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT XI) recently convened at the DSWD Conference Hall to brace its fight against trafficking of persons in Davao Region.
focal person on Anti-Trafficking Susan Pascua said RIACAT members reviewed its strategic plan for 2008-2010 as well as shared updates on anti-trafficking endeavors initiated by their respective agencies.
According to Pascua, discussion also centered on Stronger Legislations/Prosecution and Joint Initiatives among National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations and Local Government Units, and the Integration of IACAT as a Major Concern of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and Barangay Women's Council.
RIACAT is the primary body mandated to coordinate, monitor and oversee the implementation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Member agencies include Visayan Forum, Talikala, Davao International Airport, PPA, Tambayan Center, DILG, City Prosecution Office, NSO, DOLE, PNP, DepEd, Bureau of Immigration, CSSDO, DSWD, DOJ, Transformative Justice Institute, Center for Overseas Workers, Kabataan Consortium, POEA and LUNA.
Earlier, a Mindanao covenant was formulated to strengthen advocacy campaigns and existing mechanisms to protect prospective recruits and hasten service delivery for trafficked victims. (DSWD) [top]
