NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION TO COMBAT

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

 

The Syndicate Group on Trafficking in Persons believes that the passage of the Anti-Trafficking Bill would address the key concerns of trafficking in persons as a transnational crime. It was observed that there is also an absence of statistics on human trafficking in the Philippines. It has been maintained that through collaborative measures by NGOs and government agencies, the passage of the bill and the gathering of necessary data on human trafficking will be realized. The group places priority to acts that enhance network coordination and information sharing. 

 

Thus, in terms of information exchange and database development, the following were recommended:

 

·        Develop and establish shared database with the PCTC as the lead  agency, such central database has to be established within the year.

·        Compile relevant laws also with the PCTC as the tasked agency.

·        Create a directory of contact persons and focal points.  The idea is to develop a directory of e-mail addresses of pertinent groups and individuals.

·        Craft MOAs to institutionalize information exchange on human trafficking.

 

The group believes that it is important to identify the information to be shared, whether it is intelligence or operational data.

 

Looking at legal matters, legal counter measures and offensives, the following were deemed essential:

 

  • Draft laws penalizing the acts of trafficking. This would involve the establishment of a network and support data for the passage of the pending bill. The group believes that this concern falls under the GOs and the NGOs. As such, it is recommended that the agencies concerned coordinate closely.
  • Review existing relevant policies. It was pointed out that the deregulation and amendment of RA 8042 is necessary in order to include Trafficking In Persons (TIP) and Illegal Recruitment. The POEA was recommended to be the lead agency in this area.

 

On law enforcement matters, two action points were identified.

 

  • Put up an interdiction desk dealing on TIP cases
  • Create a taskforce consisting of concerned GOs and NGOs for monitoring, detection, reporting, investigation and prosecution of traffickers. Involved agencies include the PNP, NICA, DOJ, BID and the DFA.