After the Task Force on Moral and Values and Formation found the Iloilo Terminal Market, often referred to as ‘Super,’ was being used as a “sex den” after 14 minors were rescued, the Iloilo Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) said they would be conducting enhanced surveillance along the Iloilo River Esplanade.
PSTMO head Jeck Conlu said they would be especially focused on “dark areas.”
Recently, a 28-year-old-man and a 19-year-old girl were both spotted nude and engaged in sexual activity in a grassy and dark area of the Esplanade. After they were reported to the police, the two were brought to the Mandurriao Police Station for proper disposition.
Last week, after the rescue operation, 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.
Earlier this year, 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.”/WDJ