Friday, May 16, 2008 CSSDO admits difficulty in monitoring traveling minors
THE City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) admitted difficulty in monitoring traveling minors outside the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).
CSSDO urged van and bus operators to actively implement the policies on traveling minors as part of the city's efforts in strengthening its campaign against trafficking in persons.
"Yung sa airport and seaport, matagal nang existing and we have been monitoring that kaya nga nakaka-apprehend talaga sila ng traffickers pero sa terminal medyo mahirap lalo na yung sa mga (It has been existing in the airport and seaport that's why the authorities have apprehended traffickers but at bus terminals it is difficult especially in...) satellite terminals because most do not ask for the permit to travel," Luchi Alagabre of the CSSDO said in Thursday's edition of the I-Speak forum.
Parents, guardians and/or travel companions must present a valid identification card and the minor's birth certificate and valid ID so that the CSSDO can fully establish the relationship of the minor to the adult. These are requisites for a permit to travel that must be presented to airport, seaport and bus terminal authorities before the child is allowed to board.
In cases of unaccompanied minors, a duly notarized parent or guardian's consent must be presented to the authorities before boarding. Airlines and shipping lines already have existing guidelines for special attention to unaccompanied minors. Those who will be fetching the minors at the arrival gate, also has to present a valid ID to establish identity.
"Syempre, nakalista na sa authorities kung sino ang susundo. That way di mawawala ang mga bata," Alagabre said.
Alagabre added that the permits will soon be availed through barangay social workers, especially those who come from far-flung areas and will not be able to go to the CSSDO main office. However, until then, it is solely the CSSDO, and not barangay officials, that can issue a permit to travel. (GLP)
