GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 has assisted some 128 cases of human trafficking and abuses against women this year in parts of the region.
Dennis Domingo II, DSWD Region 12 information officer, said Monday the initiative is part of their mandate to address issues as well as cases of abuses and exploitation among women in the area.
He said they have been also working closely with various agencies to raise more awareness regarding the campaign.
Domingo said 65 of the assisted cases involved women who were victims of armed conflict, in detention, emotionally battered, disturbed, abandoned, solo parents, and those seeking child custody and child support.
He said his year they have recorded 63 cases of trafficking among women, some of whom were minors.
“There is a need for us to really understand that women rights must be supported not only by our office but the entire Filipino people,” Domingo said in a statement.
“Violence against women happens every day in homes, in the workplace and in schools. However, with our efforts to end it, we will ensure that women rights will not be taken for granted and exploited,” he added.
The official said DSWD-12 continues to monitor the “alarming” number of cases of abuse and exploitation of women in the region.
He said the initiative is in partnership with local government units and law enforcement agencies.
Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
Bai Zorahayda Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, has instructed them to step up efforts on raising awareness about the campaign, he said.
He added that the initiative also aims to generate more support and commitment from local stakeholders to eventually eliminate cases of violence against women in the area.(PNA)