ALARMED over reports that human traffickers are prowling Mindanao’s devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo (international codename: Bopha), Sen. Loren Legarda has urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

Legarda issued the call amid reports that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Pablo in new Bataan town, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” said Legarda, chairman of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking.

The senator said that the problem of human trafficking continues to hound the society.

“This will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters,” said Legarda, who is also the sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Saying that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society, Legarda said: “this is the injustice that we must act against.”

Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws, she added.

Legarda is also pushing for the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.