Following the rescue of two alleged human trafficking victims from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have called on other potential victims to come forward and report their experiences to the authorities.
In a statement, the IACAT emphasized the need for more victims or their relatives to come forward, noting that this is not the first time they have received reports of alleged human trafficking within the religious organization. “IACAT strongly encourages any other victims or their relatives to come forward,” the statement read.
The rescue operation, conducted on Sunday by the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region, led to the rescue of a 21-year-old male from Samar and a female from Midsayap town in Cotabato. The two were rescued after they and their relatives sought assistance from the police, according to PNP Regional Office 11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey.
The two alleged victims are now under police protection, and the council has urged KOJC members to cooperate fully with the authorities in executing arrest warrants and aiding in the rescue of other potential victims.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured victims, their families, and KOJC members of protection. He also called for stronger collaboration among the DOJ, IACAT, PNP, and DSWD to build solid cases against the perpetrators and deliver justice to the victims.
“Let us continue fighting this human trafficking menace which hounds society, particularly the vulnerable sector,” Remulla added.