DOLE Pushes for Region-Wide Agency to Monitor Child Trafficking

Philippines

DOLE pushes for region-wide agency to monitor child trafficking

Mindanews

GENERALSANTOSCITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is pushing for the activation of a region-wide inter-agency body that will monitor cases of child labor in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.

DOLE pushes for region-wide agency to monitor child trafficking
By Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews / 27 October 2005

Emil Moambing, Region 12 coordinator of Dole's national program against child labor, said they are currently coordinating with various local governments and concerned agencies for the establishment of a "Sagip Bata Manggagawa" quick action team in all 45 municipalities and five cities in the region.

"These quick action teams will handle the monitoring and rescue operations for children who are victims of the worst forms of child labor such as prostitution and other high risk jobs," he said.

Moambing said that under Republic Act 9231 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, among those considered under the worst forms of child labor are jobs in quarrying, mining, deep sea fishing, domestic help and prostitution.

In 2001, Moambing said the National Statistics Office recorded at least 320,000 working children in Region 12. He estimated the current figures at around 400,000.

Moambing said most of the working children aged 17 years old and below in the region are employed as agricultural workers, laborers in warehouses and public markets, domestic helpers and street vendors.

He said they have received reports about children who are into prostitution and laborers in small-scale mining activities.

Moambing said that under the law, children are not allowed to work under those classified as worst forms of child labor and should be rescued.

He said there are also exemptions such as those working under the supervision of their parents and those who have secured work permits from their office.

"But the working hours of working children aged 15 years old and blow should only be limited to three hours a day or 20 hours a week and they should not be given intensive or heavy assignments," he said.

With the activation of the quick action teams, which would be composed of labor and social workers and police operatives, Moambing said they expect to fully monitor the cases of children who are into the worst forms of child labor and employers who are violating certain provisions of RA 9231.

"We will not hesitate to file charges against the employers who would be found violating our child labor laws," he said.