Councilor Rodriguez eyes hotline and helpdesk vs trafficking, child exploitation

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez convened concerned departments, organization, and agencies to deliberate on the proposed measure establishing a hotline and helpdesk for reporting cases of human trafficking and child exploitation.

During the meeting he presided himself, Councilor Rodriguez, author of the said proposal, explained that the initiative aims to streamline the reporting and response to suspected cases of trafficking while allowing for centralized monitoring and coordination of interventions.

In the said measure, a hotline and helpdesk will be established in every barangay, complemented by an anti-human trafficking operations center under the City Social Welfare and Development Office to ensure accessibility and proper case handling.

As chairperson of the committee, Councilor Rodriguez emphasized that the measure forms part of his priority initiatives to strengthen the safety and welfare of children in the city.

During the meeting, invited resource persons raised concerns on implementation, particularly the need for adequately trained barangay personnel to manage reports.

They also underscored the importance of carefully defining reporting and referral procedures to ensure confidentiality and protect the identities of victims.

It was  further suggested that the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations be tasked to the Liga ng mga Barangay in close coordination with concerned city offices and other relevant agencies.

Taking note of the inputs raised, Councilor Rodriguez said a revised proposal will be circulated to the resource persons and taken up for further discussion in the committee’s next meeting. (SPE/SP)