IACAT, DOJ urge alleged KOJC trafficking victims to come forward

After two alleged human trafficking victims were rescued at the Davao City Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Department of  Justice (DOJ) on Monday urged other victims to come forward and report to authorities.

“Given that this is not the first time information has reached the IACAT about alleged human trafficking within the religious organization, IACAT  strongly encourages any other victims or their relatives to come forward,” IACAT said in a statement.

On Sunday, the  Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk and the  Department of  Social Welfare and Development Region rescued a  21-year-old male from Samar and a female from Cotabato's Midsayap town.

PNP Regional Office 11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said that the two alleged victims were rescued after they and their relatives had sought help from the police.

According to IACAT, the two are now under the protection of the police.

The council also called on KOJC members to cooperate with authorities in the implementation of arrest warrants and the rescue of other potential victims.

For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin  Remulla assured victims and their families, as well as KOJC members, that they would be protected.

“l also call for a stronger collaboration between and among the DOJ through the IACAT, the PNP, and  the DSWD to ensure airtight cases against the perpetrators with the end  view to delivering justice to their victims,” said Remulla in his statement.

“Let us continue fighting this human trafficking menace which hounds society, particularly the vulnerable sector.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News