Child trafficking; mayor implicated.

Justice for ‘Charrise,’ now!
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:53:00 11/26/2010

FOR SEVERAL days, the news about 12-year-old “Charrise,” who was trafficked and sexually abused allegedly by San Marcelino (Zambales) Mayor Jose Rodriguez, has been covered by media. The pimp, identified only as “Jodie,” and Mayor Rodriguez are facing charges, filed by the girl and her mother, for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (Republic Act 9208) and Anti-Child Abuse Act (RA 7610). Prior to the filing, participants of The Red AVP, a project of WeDpro addressing violence against women and trafficking, called me up to share the news about the rescue of Charisse. The Red AVP (Anti-Violence Project) is being implemented in Olongapo City and Angeles City and supported by the European Union.

The Olongapo participants have formed a group called STAND AVP Now to support Charrise and her mother who now fear for their lives.

We condemn the San Marcelino PNP for failing to act quickly and arrest Mayor Rodriguez. PNP personnel were with the civilian team when they rescued Charrise from the rest house of the mayor where the crime happened.

We support the efforts of STAND AVP Now and the government of Olongapo City led by Genia Eclarino, head of the local City Social Welfare and Development Office, to get justice for Charrise. We call on the governor of Zambales to ensure that Charisse and her family get all the necessary assistance and support to pursue the case against Mayor Rodriguez.

We call on the people of Zambales, particularly those of San Marcelino, to remain vigilant and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice. No one is above the law, especially when the perpetrator is an elected official expected to ensure that human rights, especially women’s rights, are protected and promoted.

Justice for Charisse! Justice for all victims of trafficking and violence!

—AIDA F. SANTOS-MARANAN,

project manager, The Red AVP,

aida.santos@wedprophils.org


see - http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20101126-305542/Justice-for-Charrise-now