A member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community from Romblon, was recently rescued in Manila after being trafficked, according to Davao City Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Mande.
Mande shared that in March last year, a young girl from Romblon traveled to Manila with a person she considered a friend. However, having no prior travel experience, she was unaware of the risks involved. Upon arriving in the city, she was abandoned with no food, shelter, or money and was left to fend for herself for nearly a month.
During a council session on Tuesday morning in Davao City, Mande recounted how their team, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Mayor's Office (CMO), was able to rescue the girl. He emphasized that the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, as Indigenous Communities (ICs) remain highly vulnerable to exploitation.
He also stressed the importance of upholding the rights granted under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), urging better education and awareness among IP youth to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“To my brothers and sisters in the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, let us continue promoting education, providing guidance, and upholding the value of rights and life. Every life in this country is valued and cherished,” Mande said.
