Resource Speaker Atty. Mark Ivan Chester J. Mendoza, stood alongside RCMB V Director Reynaldo R. Foncardas and RCMB V personnel, during the seminar

Legazpi City, Albay – In line with the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), an in-house seminar was conducted by the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch No. V (RCMB -V) on December 11, 2024 at the RCMB-V Conference Room. The activity, centered on Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, was led by Atty. Mark Ivan Chester Mendoza from the Regional Legal Office V of the Philippine National Police as the keynote speaker

During his presentation, Atty. Mendoza highlighted the fundamental purpose of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which was designed to eliminate human trafficking, particularly of women and children. He explained that the legislation establishes essential institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked individuals while imposing strict penalties on offenders.
The significance of the law’s amendment through Republic Act 10364, known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was also discussed to highlight protective measures for vulnerable populations.

Other related laws discussed during the activity include Republic Act No. 9995 (An Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Photo and Video Voyeurism), and Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009.

Atty. Mendoza provided an in-depth explanation of the purpose and objectives of the institutional mechanisms. He also outlined the legal penalties imposed on individuals who violate these mechanisms stressing that the severity of the punishment depends on the gravity of the offense, underscoring the need for strict adherence to prevent violations. He also warned that files uploaded online are subject to international security, advising attendees to be cautious when using cloud storage.

During the seminar, participants engaged in a discussion about the salient features of R.A. 9208, as amended.

RCMB V Administrative Assistant VI Mary Claire Rico expressed the importance of attending seminars on human trafficking. “As a government employee, I believe this is a wake-up call to address not only domestic violence but also international violence. This seminar serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of human life. Any act of violence, whether against women, children, or anyone else, must be condemned by society in order to promote peace and safety for all”, said Rico.

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