The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) successfully held a national summit for all Anti-Trafficking Task Forces (ATTFs) and their partner law enforcement agencies (LEA) from across the country. The event took place from December 3 to 5, 2024 in Tagaytay City, with the goal of reinforcing collaboration and enhancing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts nationwide.
The summit, which brought together government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders, focused on sharing best practices, strengthening coordination between regional and special task forces, and addressing emerging trends in the fight against human trafficking.
Representatives of each ATTF and LEA reported on the latest statistics of TIP cases and other notable accomplishments in their region, and engaged in collaborative discussions on best practices aimed at improving the implementation of anti-trafficking policies and strategies at the regional and national levels.
In his opening remarks, IACAT Undersecretary-in-Charge Nicholas Felix L. Ty emphasized that while human trafficking is a difficult problem, it is not insurmountable. "Task forces must be operations centric and victim-centered. Through collaboration, persistence, and a steadfast commitment to justice, we can and will continue to make a difference. Every victim rescued, every trafficker brought to justice, and every prevention effort made counts toward a world where human trafficking is eradicated." Usec. Ty said.
On the second day, participants were introduced to the emerging trends and issues in human trafficking such as surrogacy, organ trafficking, illegal online adoption, mail order bride, the undocumented overseas Filipinos using backdoor exits and forced criminality. Panel of experts from the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) International Airport Investigation Division (IAID) and Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD), the Philippine National Police Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (PNP-ATIPD), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Immigration - Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (BI IPROBES) and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) shared valuable insights on tackling human trafficking across various sectors, the different challenges encountered and their recommendations and proposed solutions.
At the core of the anti-trafficking operations which was reinforced heavily during this summit is the importance of prioritizing the rights, dignity, and well-being of victims in all stages of intervention, from rescue to rehabilitation.
Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the ASEAN Act provided critical insights into how law enforcement, prosecutors, and support agencies can perform their respective mandate while avoiding retraumatization of victim-survivors simultaneously ensuring that they receive proper care and protection without affecting the integrity of the justice system.
On the last day of the summit, the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), represented by OIC-Executive Director, DRP Barbara Mae Pagdilao-Flores, introduced the center's mandates and discussed emerging trends.
Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz emphasized the importance of a mental health seminar for all prosecutors and LEAs who are directly involved in rescue operations of victim-survivors.
The summit also underscored the significance of cooperation not only between government entities but also with the private sector and international organizations, such as the International Justice Mission (IJM), which played a vital role in the creation of the ALL Shields Up Handbook on OSAEC Prosecution and Enforcement (HOPE).
In a significant move towards enhancing cross border collaboration and cooperation in law enforcement and legal prosecution, representatives from the DOJ Office of the Chief State Counsel, DOJ Office of Cybercrime (OOC), Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) INTERPOL and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) focused their discussion on strengthening investigative and prosecution platforms across the region through the use of Mutual Legal Assistance, Budapest Convention, and the products of INTERPOL. These processes aim to foster closer collaboration to other countries in investigating and addressing transnational crime such as human trafficking.
In closing, Atty. Hannah Lizette S. Manalili, OIC-Executive Director of IACAT, expressed gratitude to all the resource speakers and participants, and stressed a call to action in our collective mission to work towards anti-trafficking policies that are grounded and anti-trafficking operations that are victim-centric.
"This is a call to action for each of us to stand up against human trafficking, fight not just for yourselves but for the innocent as well, who fall prey to trafficking syndicates. Always bear in mind that you are never alone in this battle and together, with our collective efforts, we will break the chains of modern day slavery and let justice for all reign supreme!" Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla urged.
