Oro cops may stop adults with kids on suspicion of child trafficking

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

POLICE and social workers in the city may now stop and check on children and adults who tag them along, on mere suspicion of child trafficking.

This has been authorized by the city council on Monday as it approved City Ordinance 2018-28 that was authored by Councilor Edna Dahino.

The Dahino ordinance allows the police and social workers to check “prior to departure or upon arrival, and when there is a reasonable genuine suspicion that the child is a potential victim of trafficking in person.”

The new city law regulates the travel of children whether they are alone or unaccompanied by parents or guardians to and from Cagayan de Oro especially those without proper documentation.

Based on the Dahino ordinance, mere suspicion of trafficking is basis for authorities to “request” the child or the accompanying adult to proceed to the children’s desk at the terminal, port, police station or local social welfare office for documentation.

The ordinance madates the police and social workers to check the validity of documents and to interview the child alone or together with the chaperone other than his/her parents to confirm the purpose of the travel.

If there is basis for the suspicion of child trafficking, the child may be sent home or placed under the custody of social workers.

Dahino said the penalties would be based based on the existing national law on child trafficking.

She said the passage of the ordinance was approved following a series of deferments since Nov. 6, 2017 because some councilors saw conflicts with national laws.