The number of recorded human trafficking cases in Central Visayas increased last year.
Based on the statistics released by the Regional State Prosecutor’s (RSP) Office, 48 cases for violating Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 were filed in court in 2011 compared to the just 11 cases in 2010.
“We can’t say it’s alarming. There’s really just an increase,” said RSP Fernando Gubalane in an interview yesterday.
He said the public may have been well informed about incidents of human trafficking.
“It’s possible that public awareness (has contributed to the increase in the number of trafficking cases filed in court),” Gubalane said.
He also lauded the participation of non-governmental organizations like the International Justice Mission and the media in its campaign against human trafficking.
In the course of prosecuting persons involved in human trafficking, Gubalane said there were instances when the victims would not pursue cases against the perpetrators.
“Instead of our intention to help the victims, we are instead accused of irregularities,” Gubalane said.
Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 has a confidentiality provision that prohibits the identification of the accused and victims in human trafficking cases.
The law prohibits the “recruitment, transportation, transfer or harboring, or receipt of persons with or without the victim’s consent or knowledge for the purpose of exploitation, prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation.”
The names of both the victims and the accused are kept confidential in the media.
But Gubalane said the “shame campaign” or the identification of the accused in the media is presently being pursued in Congress.
Last Friday, police arrested a 50-year-old Australian who was accused of molesting three boys inside a hotel in Cebu City.