64 human trafficking victims get DSWD assistance

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-6 reported that it had provided assistance to 64 human trafficking victims, from January to July 15 this year, according to the Philippine Information Agency-6.

DSWD-6 Director Rebecca Geamala said that 28 of the victims were from Iloilo, 11 from Aklan, five from Negros Occidental and 20 from other parts of the country, who were apprehended, rescued and were given assistance here in the region.

Of the total number, 23 were victims of illegal recruitment, 18 of force labor and 23 of prostitution.

Geamala said DSWD-6 has appropriate services for trafficked victims from prevention, rescue operation and restoration geared towards regaining their self-esteem and living a normal life again.

Forty-six of the victims availed of livelihood assistance amounting to P10,000 each under the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons.

Other services provided to victims are temporary shelter, support for victims such as transportation, medical and pyschosocial/counselling.  (FREEMAN)