CSWD intensifies fight vs `child trafficking’

THE City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) of Cagayan de Oro has intensified its campaign against child trafficking following the rescue operation on Tuesday, April 10, in Cogon, this city.

“We are very much serious in our campaign against trafficking, women and children,” said CSWD head Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr.

On Tuesday, CSWD Reach Out Team, together with Island Kids Philippines and Police Station 2 Cogon, rescued a pair of 14-year-old females in one of the lodges near the Cogon Public Market.

According to Sabugaa, the two minors were victims of child trafficking and prostitution.

However, Sabuga-a said further details on the case will not be disclosed at present for security reasons and to avoid compromising future operations.

The two victims are already in safe hands as their parents had already been contacted by the CSWD.

On the same day, CSWD also rescued five Bajau children who were distributing envelops to jeepney passengers and begging along Kauswagan Highway.

Street families in Magsaysay Park were also told to vacate the area, especially those who have children, so as to avoid penalties and the issuance of Notice of Violation.

“We have conducted an operation and the City Government is very much serious on this. We wanted the Kagay-anons to help us to connect sa women’s desk nato (with our Women and Children Protection Desks),” Sabuga-a said, adding “We have to make Cagayan de Oro safe to everybody.”