News from IJM
Cebu's first rescue op of 2012
January 25, 2012
CEBU, THE PHILIPPINES – Last week, IJM worked with the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation to rescue women and girls who were trafficked to a large entertainment bar. Several of the managers were arrested, suspected of trafficking and selling the girls for sex to the bar’s customers.
IJM staff were on the scene to provide crisis counselling and support to the trafficking survivors. Social workers and DSWD staff (Department of Social Welfare & Development) accompanied the young women to a secure aftercare shelter.
One by one, the survivors gave initial statements that explained how they had been deceived into coming to Cebu, most coming from rural islands to the bigger city of Cebu in search of a good job that would provide for young children or impoverished parents back home. Each one testified to the abuse they endured night after night in the bar.
Social workers will continue to support the trafficking survivors as they move to longer-term aftercare homes or rejoin their families.