The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will aid human trafficking victims within the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying its commitment to aid victims of human trafficking, with a particular focus on those exploited within the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry.
The department's Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) offers comprehensive support to these individuals, addressing their multifaceted needs, including psychosocial, social, and economic concerns.
This program is pivotal in helping victims rebuild their lives and recover from the traumatic experiences they have endured.
Senator Imee Marcos underscored the significance of the RRPTP during recent deliberations on the 2025 budget. In response to queries regarding government initiatives to combat human trafficking, the senator emphasized the program's crucial role in assisting victims. The RRPTP aims to facilitate the complete recovery and reintegration of trafficked individuals into society.
The POGO industry has been implicated in various forms of human trafficking, encompassing both labor and sex trafficking.
Numerous individuals, often lured by promises of lucrative employment opportunities, find themselves ensnared in exploitative circumstances. Reports indicate that these workers are subjected to excessive work hours, deplorable working conditions, and physical as well as psychological abuse.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously signed Executive Order 74 banning POGOs, citing their potential for exploitation. However, some lawmakers expressed skepticism, arguing that certain measures within the proclamation were ambiguous and could lead to loopholes. Despite these concerns, the government's efforts to combat human trafficking and provide support to victims remain a priority.
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