DSWD, Coast Guard partner to protect IPs

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have renewed their partnership to protect Indigenous peoples (IP) against human trafficking.

DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo earlier spoke with CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, PCG District Southwestern Mindanao commander, in Zamboanga City to discuss the need to safeguard Indigenous peoples from human trafficking.

The PCG’s ongoing efforts to stop human trafficking and defend Zamboanga’s Indigenous peoples were highlighted by Commodore Gines. They consist of thorough port inspections and cooperation with local government units (LGUs).

In a statement released on Friday, Secretary Tulfo stated that the DSWD continues to support LGUs in handling the surge of Indigenous peoples who engage in mendicancy or begging on the streets in the National Capital Region and other areas of Luzon, particularly as the Christmas season draws near.

According to Tulfo, the DSWD has helped 1U8 individuals, or 47 Sama Bajau families, return to their homes. Afterwards, the concerned DSWD Field Offices will determine if they need support with their basic needs.

The department emphasized the importance of cooperation with other national government agencies, civil society groups and LGUs in order to protect the IPs, guarantee that they would receive the proper programs and services, and prevent them from any human trafficking operations. This also complies with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to bring the government and Indigenous people closer together.