Philippines on alert against human trafficking from typhoon-hit areas

The Philippines has taken measures to prevent possible human trafficking activities, particularly involving children from areas hit by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), a senior government official said Sunday. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the Inter-Agency Commission Against Trafficking (IACAT) has been focused on the issue. "The concerned government agencies are doing everything to prevent any violations of the law," he said in an interview over a state-run radio station. Plan International, a UK-based children's charity, has urged the Philippine government to probe the alleged recruitment of child workers for sex trafficking. The victims reportedly came from Samar, one of the provinces in central Philippines, struck by Haiyan on Nov. 8. The super typhoon left over 6,100 people dead and more than 1, 700 others missing.