The government's anti human trafficking arm, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), reached another milestone as it secured the conviction of a known human trafficker from Makati. This marks the 100th person convicted for the violation of Republic Act 9208 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
In a decision dated September 24 2012, the Regional Trial Court of Makati City found Helen Lapena, manager of Lovely Rose Karaoke Bar, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of harboring, providing, and receiving six minors (15yrs – 17 yrs old) for the purpose of prostitution and sexual exploitation. She was convicted of qualified human trafficking with a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of P2 million.
"This achievement shows the high level of commitment of our prosecutors, enforcers and partners in government and private sectors in the war against human trafficking and we are optimistic that this shall be recognized by our partner-nations, as well, in the global campaign for its eradication," Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente B. Salazar, in-charge of IACAT, stated yesterday.
Salazar also pointed out that the 70 convictions happened during the watch of the P-Noy administration (July 2010 to Oct. 2012). The other 30 convictions occurred from 2005 to June of 2010.
Under Section 6(a) and (c) of RA 9208, the crime of trafficking of persons is deemed qualified when the trafficked person is a child and committed by a syndicate, or in large scale. Trafficking by a syndicate is carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring with one another whereas trafficking in large scale is committed against three (3) or more persons individually or a group.
Salazar added that "this victory, as well as the imminent approval of the law imposing stricter penalties against human trafficking, should serve as a warning to syndicates and other criminal elements preying on the weak and vulnerable."
Earlier, the Senate approved SB 2625, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act on its third and final reading catching up with HB 6339, its counterpart legislation in the House of Representatives. Following the printing the enrolled form of the bill in a bicameral conference committee, it shall be submitted to the Chief Executive for signing it into law.
"We assure the public that this administration has already mapped out the road in combating human trafficking and plans are already in place," Salazar concluded.
Source: http://www.iacat.net/index.php/71-iacat-marks-conviction-of-100th-human-trafficker
