Caraga: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga Region) assisted 54 survivors of human trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in 2025 through its Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the 40 women and 14 men survivors received aftercare and psychosocial services, underscoring the agency's trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach. In addition to psychosocial support, RRPTP provided financial and material aid for recovery and reintegration, including PHP45,000 for court-related expenses for four clients, PHP144,080 for educational assistance for 19 clients, and PHP80,000 for livelihood support for eight clients.

'The achievements in protecting trafficked persons and OSAEC victims are proof of our collective efforts,' DSWD-13 Director Mari-Flor Dollaga said in the same statement. She added that the agency also implemented measures to minimize re-traumatization, including the third batch of Videotaped In-depth Disclosure Interviews (VIDI).

'Home visitations were carried out to monitor survivors' progress, while courtesy calls to barangay officials helped reinforce referral mechanisms and community-based protection,' Dollaga said. In addition, five rescue operations were also conducted last year, including two in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and one each in the towns of Sison in Surigao del Norte, Tago in Surigao del Norte, and Butuan City.

The rescue operations resulted in the identification and immediate assistance of trafficked persons and OSAEC victims. 'We thank our partners for standing with us in ensuring survivors are given the chance to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives,' Dollaga said.