Bacolod: The Philippine government, in collaboration with partner non-government organizations, is bolstering its efforts to combat human trafficking, addressing challenges posed by new trends in this global crime. Executive Director Hannah Lizette Manalili of the Department of Justice-led Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) emphasized these efforts during her presentation on the Philippine Human Trafficking Situationer at the United States Embassy Media Seminar, held at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines has retained its Tier 1 ranking in the 2024 US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the ninth consecutive year. This status indicates the country's compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. Despite this achievement, Manalili stressed that it is not a reason for complacency, emphasizing the core mission to protect and rescue vulnerable individuals from abuse and exploitation.
Manalili highlighted that the country faces various vulnerabilities, including emerging trends such as online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, information technology-facilitated TIP, and transnational organized crime groups with extensive networks and resources. Data from IACAT and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission reveals significant achievements, such as the identification of over PHP7 billion in suspicious transactions linked to money laundering, numerous raid and rescue operations, and the arrest and charging of more than a hundred perpetrators.
The IACAT's fourth national strategic action plan focuses on strengthening its structure, promoting a victim-centered approach, and enhancing policies to prevent trafficking, support victims, and improve investigation and prosecution works. The action plan prioritizes four key areas: prevention and advocacy, protection and reintegration, prosecution and law enforcement, and partnership and networking.
Manalili noted that the Philippines, along with Singapore, is one of only two ASEAN countries with Tier 1 status. The nation leverages its leadership role within the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime to share best practices and collaborate on regional anti-trafficking efforts.
The sense of community among Filipinos, both locally and abroad, plays a crucial role in establishing a response network against human trafficking. Manalili emphasized that assistance comes from various sectors, including civil society organizations and private entities.
Regional and international collaboration, along with information sharing, is essential to address these challenges effectively. Manalili highlighted the importance of building relationships and networks, both locally and regionally, with partners such as media practitioners and journalists contributing to a more informed society.
Moving forward, Manalili identified the need to implement an enhanced national referral mechanism and victim identification system, initiate policy recommendations and legislative reviews, enhance capabilities through international partnerships, expand resources through local collaborations, and prosecute corrupt officials involved in trafficking.
The IACAT comprises 28 members, including 25 national government agencies and the leagues of provinces, cities, and municipalities, as well as three NGOs: the International Justice Mission, Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, and Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia and the Pacific.
