Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo is welcomed by Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao Commander, CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines in Zambaonga City.  (Photo credits to PCG)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo is welcomed by Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao Commander, CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines in Zambaonga City. (Photo credits to PCG)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) affirmed its partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to protect the Indigenous Peoples against human trafficking.

DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo met with PCG District Southwestern Mindanao Commander, CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, on Tuesday, November 29, in Zamboanga City, to discuss the continuous and urgent need to protect the Indigenous Peoples from human trafficking.

CG Commodore Gines shared the PCGs on-going initiatives to combat human trafficking and protect the Indigenous Peoples of Zamboanga.  These include the strict inspection of ports and coordination with the local government units (LGUs).

Secretary Tulfo said that the DSWD continues to assists LGUs in addressing the influx of Indigenous Peoples in the National Capital Region and in other parts of Luzon who engage in mendicancy, especially now that the Christmas season is approaching.

He said that the DSWD has so far assisted 47 Sama Bajau-families or 158 individuals in returning to their places of origin where they will be assessed for livelihood assistance by the concerned DSWD-Field Offices.

In order to provide full protection to the IPs, the Department emphasized the need to collaborate with other national government agencies, civil society organizations, and the LGUs to ensure that they  will be provided with appropriate programs and services and safeguard them from any human trafficking activities.  This is also in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to bring government closer to the Indigenous Peoples. ###