With the alarming statement, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved a resolution seeking the help of barangay officials in the campaign against human trafficking.

The barangay officials can be effective in monitoring the entry and exit of non-residents as they monitor unscrupulous individuals and reporting them to the authorities.

Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong said local officials, especially those in barangays, are effective persons to help curb human trafficking.

"Because of their familiarity with their places, barangay folk are in the best position to know the persons and establishments engaged in sex slavery and human trafficking," stated in the resolution.

Citing a survey report, the resolution noted that about 300,000 women and 60,000 children are trafficked yearly in the Philippines.

Of the 7.41 million Filipinos living or working abroad, about 1.62 million were victims of human trafficking, it added.

Law enforcers are now focused on human trafficking, following directives from the PNP Chief, Director-General Avelino Razon.

PNP Spokesman Nicanor Ancheta Bartolome said the law imposes harsh penalties on violators, considering that majority of the victims are minors.

Human trafficking cases involving women and children will be handled by the PNP Women and Children’s Desks that were created in every police station.

About three decades ago, many young women from the Visayas and Bicol regions were being transported to Manila, but for greener pasture and wholesome work.

Although there were still many who end up working as sex slaves or prostitutes,

It had also been common among the early Visayas migrants in Metro Manila, back in the 60s and the 70s, especially those who had been "lucky" with their employers, to encourage relatives and friends to travel with them back to the capital and who were also employed as household helpers.

Presently, however, travelling in big groups to Metro Manila, or in other urban areas in Luzon, and elsewhere in the country, could catch the attention of law enforcers, especially if the jobs offered are as "waitresses."

In many cases, many women trafficked to the capital, seeking to be employed as "waitresses," end up as "guest relations officers." or sex workers.

Bartolome agreed with the Cebu SP that barangay officials could be effective "force multipliers" against human trafficking.