Gov't Achieves Target On Human Trafficking

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday highlighted the accomplishments of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ administration in fighting human trafficking.

Reaching Tier 1 indicates the country has met the global and international criteria and standards in combating human trafficking.

In a news forum in Quezon City, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said the Philippines achieved Tier 1 for nine consecutive years in the US government’s Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).

Reaching Tier 1 indicates the country has met the global and international criteria and standards in combating human trafficking.

“So, we are becoming a model country in terms of our efforts against trafficking as well as the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. So, that is something that I think the country should be very proud of,” Clavano said.

As for Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), Clavano said President Marcos is bothered by the statistics showing the Philippines as one of the most vulnerable countries for the crime.

“He (President Marcos) was very bothered by the stats we presented because we are considered one of the most vulnerable countries for OSAEC,” Clavano said.

Being an English-speaking nation and “one of the most text-savvy” countries makes the Philippines prone to OSAEC.

“So, those considerations make our country very vulnerable. But the President has rallied behind our efforts and has pushed us to do more for our children and future generations,” Clavano said.

Clavano encouraged Filipinos to unite in fighting crimes against children by reporting cases to the authorities.

“So, we hope that this whole-of-nation approach, not just a whole-of-government approach, will work. If you see these kinds of activities in your barangays, in your areas, report them immediately to the authorities so we can stop this crime,” he said.

Earlier this month, President Marcos ordered the implementation of a comprehensive and intensive action plan to combat OSAEC and CSAEM (Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials), directing a centralized system that uses technology and specialized cybercrime methods to detect and report occurrences of OSAEC.

All relevant agencies, the President said, must prioritize the protection of children and make it the center of all programs and policies.