28-8-2023 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has issued explicit directives to the government to intensify efforts in combating human trafficking, as confirmed by a Department of Justice (DOJ) official.
During a media forum, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano announced that President Marcos has provided “specific instructions” to bolster measures aimed at cracking down on human trafficking within the country. The Philippines continues to grapple with the challenge of its citizens falling prey to human trafficking syndicates, often under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
Official data from the Bureau of Immigration reveals that, from January to May this year, nearly 14,000 Filipinos were prevented from leaving the country at various airports, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Clavano highlighted that Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are particularly concerning hotspots for illegal trafficking victims. He explained that the migratory nature of the Philippine population, with approximately 10 percent seeking employment opportunities abroad, adds complexity to efforts to combat human trafficking.
One solution to this multifaceted problem, according to Clavano, is the creation of more employment opportunities within the Philippines. By doing so, the authorities hope to reduce the incentives and opportunities for human traffickers.
Simultaneously, the Philippines is actively collaborating with its fellow member states within the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance cooperation against transnational crime, including human trafficking.
“We engage with our counterparts from different countries so that we can gather the best practices and we can also keep up with the trends in the trafficking industry or area,” explained Clavano.
President Marcos is expected to address this pressing issue during the upcoming ASEAN summit scheduled to be held in Indonesia next month, according to Clavano.
