KEY government agencies active in customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) procedures in Davao and South Central Mindanao regions recently agreed to strengthen efforts in disseminating information against Trafficking in Persons (TIP).

These agencies, which comprise the Local CIQS Consultative Councils of Davao and General Santos, are then collectively seen as an effective mechanism in the conduct of intensified information campaign against human trafficking due to their presence in strategic points, particularly in the ports of Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga.

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In a recent workshop, the Local CIQS Council of Davao recommended the conduct of orientation and trainings in universities and colleges, as well as the distribution and display of information and communication materials in strategic areas like ports.

They also recommended the integration of trafficking issues in the curriculum through the Department of Education (DepEd), especially in schools located in remote areas.

The council members also examined their agency mandates in relation to trafficking in the areas of advocacy and prevention, surveillance, rescue, arrest, investigation and protection, as well as prosecution and agreed to establish a coordinative mechanism on interventions for victims of trafficking.

Through intervention flowcharts, steps were identified not only in the surveillance, rescue, arrest and investigation, but also the healing and reintegration of victims as well as their families.

"We need to strengthen the CIQS Councils in Mindanao and Palawan as strategic mechanisms in assisting efforts in the campaign against human trafficking," said Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana Sr., chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco).

He said that with their reach and specific authority, local CIQS councils serve as multi-sectoral one-stop sources in disseminating relevant information that would help curb trafficking.

The workshops for the Davao and General Santos CIQS groups were conducted through the BIMP-Eaga Support Team on CIQS Project implemented by Medco and funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

The Best on CIQS Project aims to strengthen coordination and partnership among CIQS agencies, provide capacity-building activities to improve delivery of CIQS services at ports, and harmonize CIQS rules, regulations and procedures.

The workshops were also made possible in partnership with the respective Local Inter-agency Committee Against Trafficking, City Social Welfare and Development offices, and the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc.

To date, Medco has facilitated, coordinated and participated in the conduct of various CIQS-related trainings covering various subjects such as Explosives Detection/Recognition and Threat Management, Intelligence and Surveillance Work at the port level, Upgrading Human Resources to Combat Transnational Crimes, Aviation Security, Trafficking in Persons, and Safe Gun Handling and Marksmanship, Identifying and Handling Dangerous Goods and Illegal Drug Precursors, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, as well as Philippines-Indonesia Joint Patrol Exercises.