Councilor Rodriguez backs measures vs. child trafficking

COUNCILOR Jonjon Rodriguez expressed his strong support for the special report of Councilor Desiree Dahino on the alarming rise of child trafficking in Cagayan de Oro.

During the 8th regular session of the City Council, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Dahino reported the surging incidents of child abuse and trafficking in in the city and urged stronger collaboration among government agencies, the local government, and the City Council to reinforce policies and programs that will combat these crimes.

As chairperson of the committee on social services, Rodriguez vowed to push initiatives to safeguard children’s rights and welfare.

He further stressed that ensuring a safe and secure future for Kagay-anon children must remain a top priority.

Councilor Rodriguez also pointed to the Golden Justice Zone Ordinance, authored by VM Bebot Rodriguez and Councilor Girlie Balaba and enacted during the 20th City Council, as a legislative milestone in the fight against human trafficking.

He further noted that Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy has allocated ₱5 million to strengthen the Golden Justice Zone as a key component of the city’s anti-trafficking initiatives.

In addition, Rodriguez said the Anti-Human Trafficking Ordinance, principally authored by VM Bebot, will soon be refiled, with him as co-author, to further reinforce the city’s legislative framework against trafficking. (JDO/SP)