DSWD-7 assists 75 trafficked children

Local

AT LEAST 75 children in Central Visayas have received assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas (DSWD-7) in cases involving trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children over the past three years.

DSWD-7 data showed that 21 children were rescued from trafficking in persons cases from 2023 to 2025, while 54 children were assisted in cases involving online sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said some perpetrators view child exploitation as a source of income, based on accounts gathered during assessments of victims.

“In many instances, based on the interview, they find it easy money… nahimong negosyo at the expense of the life of the children,” Lucero said.

One recent case began after a resident reported to DSWD-7 that a foreign national was bringing young boys into a condominium unit in Cebu City without other adults present.

The report led to the rescue of two boys aged 9 and 15.

The case was handled through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), a DSWD service that provides assistance to victims of trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation.

Lucero said the program maintains a 24-hour hotline to allow the public to report suspected cases involving children.

“We want to make sure that anyone who has the knowledge about trafficking, online sexual abuse exploitation, pwede gyud sila mopadala og mensahe sa amoa using our hotline,” Lucero said.

Reports received by the RRPTP undergo assessment by social workers, who determine the nature of the suspected violation, location, and urgency before coordinating with concerned agencies.

For the Cebu City case, the National Bureau of Investigation conducted surveillance and investigation, while agencies coordinated through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

During rescue operations, DSWD social workers focus on ensuring the safety and protection of child victims rather than law enforcement functions.

After being rescued, children are brought to a processing center where they receive temporary shelter, medical assistance, psychological interventions, and support in filing cases.

The agency said rescued children usually stay in the processing center for at least two weeks, while minors may remain for up to a month depending on their situation.

DSWD said the recovery process may take months as victims undergo assessments, trauma interventions, legal procedures, and preparation for possible reintegration with their families.

Before a child is returned to relatives or guardians, local government social workers prepare a parenting capability assessment report.

DSWD personnel also conduct community visits to validate whether the environment is suitable for the child’s recovery.

Children whose parents or guardians are involved in the exploitation may be considered for alternative care arrangements, including foster care.

Lucero said psychosocial intervention remains one of the most important parts of recovery because some children may not immediately recognize exploitative situations, particularly when offenders use money or gifts to gain trust.

She said trained social workers are equipped to handle trauma that may emerge during interviews and counseling sessions.

After reintegration, families or caregivers may receive livelihood assistance, while local government units continue monitoring the child through aftercare services with support from DSWD.

Lucero said preventing child exploitation requires cooperation among schools, barangays, communities, and other stakeholders.

She encouraged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities involving children, noting that community reports often serve as the starting point for rescue operations.

The public may report suspected trafficking and child exploitation cases through the RRPTP hotline at 0917-703-0967, available 24/7, or through email at rrptp.fo7@dswd.gov.ph.

Reports involving child abuse may also be sent through the MAKABATA Helpline at 1383.(MyTVCebu)