Anti-trafficking Help Desk at Ormoc port

The Local Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) chaired by Mayor Edward C. Codilla inaugurated this week an Anti-Trafficking Help Desk at the Ormoc port ahead of the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination on VAWC on Nov. 25.

The Help Desk is tasked to monitor, detect and intercept human trafficking activities coming in and going out of Ormoc. Rescued trafficked victims will be linked to social workers and agencies that can provide them protective services while suspects will be reported to law enforcers.

The Help Desk is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is manned by two job order workers of the City Social Welfare and Development Office from 8:00 am to 5:00 Mondays to Fridays. Tourism police officers will take over beyond those hours and on Saturdays and Sundays.

Members of the Local Committee on Violence Against Women and Children get ready to cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the Anti-Trafficking Help Desk at Ormoc port. From left: Christy Marfil, head of IOM’s Tacloban City office; Romina Sta. Clara, national project development officer of IOM; City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marietta Legaspi; Councilor John Eulalio Nepomucano Aparis; City Health Officer Nelita Navales; 2Lt. Ens Salby Habdulla, acting deputy commander of Ormoc Coast Guard station; acting station commander SInsp. Jundy Mantos; and city administrator Francis Pepito.