The Mandaue City government will soon build a center for survivors of human trafficking to strengthen its campaign against prostituted women and children.
Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday approved the construction of the Reintegration Support Network Center during the meeting of the Local Council Against Trafficking (LCAT). It will rise in the location of the former office of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) along P. Burgos Street.
“We received very positive feedback from the mayor.” LCAT focal person, Pureza Tabua told Cebu Daily News.
Cortes first wanted the center at the Norkis Park but decided to build it in the former BI office so it would be more accessible to the City Social Welfare and Services office.
The Mandaue City Council passed an anti-trafficking ordinance in 2009.
Cases of trafficking in the city usually involve foreign nationals exploiting minors. The youngest survivor served by the city was 12 years old.
The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 or Republic Act 10365 penalizes human trafficking as a serious crime.