DAVAO Region solidified the Philippines’ objective of ending the global issue on white slavery through totally stopping trafficking in persons as Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) in Davao prosecutors were among the national awardees for the highest number of convictions in trafficking in persons (TIP) cases.
Last December 9, 2019, Iacat-Davao was recognized during the celebration of the International Day Against Trafficking 2019, along with the DOJ Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force 11 at the Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila.
Five Davao Region prosecutors with more than 10 convictions were given recognition during the event.
They were Provincial Prosecutor Norman P. Solis with 24 convictions, the region’s highest number of convictions and the 2nd highest nationwide; Deputy Regional Prosecutor Barbara Mae P. Flores with 18 convictions, the 2nd highest conviction in Davao Region and 3rd highest nationwide; Assistant Regional Prosecutor Karl Andre G. Salcedo with 15 convictions, the 3rd highest number of convictions in Davao Region; Assistant City Prosecutor Rizza Mae H. Sam with 14 convictions, the region’s 4th highest number of convictions; and Provincial Prosecutor Melchor S. Velasco with 11 convictions, the 5th highest in the region.
Lawyer Flores said her best accomplishment in prosecuting trafficking in persons (TIP) cases is not when she is able to put perpetrators behind bars but it is when she is able to provide justice for the TIP victim-survivors the justice they deserve and the hope they yearn for.
“It is also when I am able to make a positive impact on their lives and serve as their inspiration,” she said.
Lawyer Velasco reiterates that his best accomplishment is when the accused are convicted and the victims get the justice they long to achieve.
Davao Regional Prosecutor Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero, who is also the chairperson of Iacat-Davao, said Iacat-Davao aims to significantly contribute to national campaign against trafficking in person and ensure that the Philippines would remain in Tier 1.
Tier 1 countries are those whose governments fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)’s minimum standards
“The accomplishment is actually a product of the joint efforts of all anti-human trafficking advocates with a common goal of building a better future for our children. We believe in the effectiveness of the administration of justice in the Philippines. Hence, we will actively pursue the apprehension, prosecution and conviction of all offenders as soon as possible,” Fabrero said.
The award was handed by Secretary of Justice Menardo I. Guevarra represented by Emmeline Aglipay Villar, DOJ undersecretary in charge of Iacat.