DSWD warns vs child trafficking, illegal adoption via social media (Sabong News)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) renewed its public appeal to report cases of child trafficking, including the facilitation of illegal adoption of children through various social media sites. The process for legal adoption must start through legitimate child caring or placing organizations or local social welfare offices, which will then forward the matter to DSWD. There must be a verified petition filed before the competent court. DSWD encouraged the public to strictly uphold the rights and protection of children by ensuring that they will be provided with a secure, nurturing, and loving environment where they can grow and achieve their full potential. It appealed to concerned citizens to report cases of trafficking through the following numbers: * PNP Patrol 911 911 * PNP WCPC Luzon 0945-863-2235 or (022)420-6460 * PNP WCPC Visayas (032) 410 84 83 * PNP WCPC Mindanao 0928-604-6425 or 0917-180-6037 * PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (02) 723-0401 local 5354 Fax No. (02) 414-1560 * NBI (02) 523-8231 to 38 local 3454 to 3455 * DOJ Office of Cybercrime (02) 524-82-16 * DSWD Psychosocial Support Hotline/ RRPTP Hotline – (02) 8931-9141 * Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO)/IACAT- 1343 * Bantay Bata 163 DSWD is a member of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) that monitors the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10364 or The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. RA 10364 amended RA 9208 or “An act to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons, especially women and children, establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons, providing penalties for its violations and for other purposes.” DSWD said that it will continue to work closely with law enforcement units and other concerned government agencies to ensure that the best interest of children will be upheld at all times.