On 02 October 2024, the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process and the Philippine Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) chaired by the Department of Justice (DOJ) successfully held a Thematic Dialogue on Preventing and Responding to Trafficking in Persons into Cyber-Scam Centers. The event was well-attended by member states and observer countries of the Bali Process with embassies in Manila, IACAT member agencies, international organizations and civil society organizations.

The Thematic Dialogue is a crucial platform for stakeholders and state actors to exchange information on emerging trends and best practices considering the unprecedented challenges to law enforcement, policymakers, and practitioners working to counter TIP and transnational organized crime across Southeast Asia and around the World.

The Dialogue was opened through the IACAT’s presentation of the Philippine perspective on scam centers and the multi-sectoral approach the Philippine government and its partners have undertaken over the past years. RSO Bali Process then presented an overview of the regional situation in light of the significant discovery of scam hub centers in Southeast Asia and its spread across other areas in the world. A special perspective on the facilitation of cyber-scam center operations through social media was also presented through the Humanity Research Consultancy.

In closing, a panel discussion among the presenters together with experts from the International Justice Mission and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was held to address specific issues and questions from the attendees. The RSO Bali Process commends the Philippine government for taking a lead in the region in relentlessly addressing the issue of trafficking in persons for forced criminality prevalent in cyber-scam centers.

“As we deal with an unprecedented challenge in this constantly evolving crime of human trafficking for forced criminality facilitated by cyber-fraud in scam hub centers, we have seen the importance of collaboration and cooperation not just among different sectors at the national level but also with our partners in the region and internationally.” Said Undersecretary Nicholas Felix L. Ty in his Opening Remarks as delivered by Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz on his behalf.

The RSO Bali Process and the IACAT are committed to furthering aligned and coordinated anti-trafficking efforts across the region and beyond, for a more effective response to this emerging issue.