Following an operation by the Task Force on Moral and Values and Formation that found the Iloilo Terminal Market, often referred to as ‘Super,’ was being used as a “sex den” after 14 minors were rescued, the Iloilo City government said they would take over market operations.
Task Force head Nestor Canong said initial talks with Local Economic Enterprise Office chief Ariel Castañeda resulted in plans to implement more security measures at the facility, such as the strict enforcement of delivery and operational hours, along with providing gates for the market’s eight entrances.
Additionally, market enforcers will also be deployed to augment barangay tanods in providing security for the market.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has called for additional closed-circuit television cameras to be installed, alongside more lighting fixtures.
Last June, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which rates governments on their efforts in ending the illegal practice of human trafficking. This year, the Philippines ranked as Tier 1, which means they are compliant with the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, an American law that provides protections for trafficking victims.
“The Government of the Philippines fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking,” the report stated. “The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period.”
The report noted the Philippines has upped law enforcement efforts, prosecution proceedings, and prevention. However, in terms of capabilities in maintaining such processes, the country did lack in that sector./WDJ