Marians Take Stand Against Trafficking, Online Child Exploitation
Marians deepened their commitment to social justice through the launch of the Student Warriors Against Trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (SWAT-OSAEC) SMU chapter, marked by an orientation and formation program on September 12, 2025, at St. Therese Hall.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and Services in partnership with the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Region II. It aimed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat human trafficking, online sexual exploitation, and related crimes.
The activity featured in-depth discussions on the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208 and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (RA 11930) and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials Act, giving students a strong legal foundation to understand the scope of trafficking and online abuse in the Philippines. IACAT experts also introduced practical tools to spot red flags of exploitation, shared real-world case studies, and trained students on proper reporting mechanisms.
Beyond training, the establishment of the SWAT-OSAEC SMU chapter empowers students to take leadership in raising awareness and mobilizing peers against trafficking and exploitation. This ensures that efforts will be sustained through collective action, awareness campaigns, and active participation in anti-trafficking initiatives. The following students took the oath as elected officers:
President: Clarisse Danielle Tumitit (BA Political Science)
Vice President: Justin Manat (BA Political Science)
Secretary: Pia Magpayo (BA Political Science)
Assistant Secretary: Anika Doculan (Bachelor in Forensic Science)
Representatives
Political Science: Saturday Seth Navis (BA Political Science)
Forensic Science: Louise Diaz (Bachelor in Forensic Science)
Social Work: Faye Agustin (BS Social Work)
This initiative reflects SMU’s mission to form socially responsible leaders—students who are prepared to confront real-world challenges and contribute to building a safer and more just society.
Written by: (Nicole Anne Aquino, STEH PIO Coordinator)
