In a bid to uphold the Philippines’ Tier 1 ranking in the US Human Trafficking Report, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is strengthening its grassroots strategy to battle trafficking in persons (TIP), reaching even the most remote communities in partnership with other government agencies like the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
The Tier 1 status, held by the country for nine consecutive years, is the highest classification awarded by the US Department of State to nations that fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Speaking on the show Serbisyong CFO sa Bagong Pilipinas, IACAT Executive Director Atty. Hannah Lizette S. Manalili highlighted a key shift in their strategy: focusing on barangay-level interventions, especially in high-migration areas.
“We all know that the Philippines is composed of many barangays, thus one of our new approaches to combat trafficking in persons are barangay-based interventions in areas and cities that has a high migration rate,” she said.
Manalili stressed that coordination between agencies has amplified their reach and impact in informing vulnerable communities about the dangers of human trafficking. She emphasized that the IACAT’s centralized role has been pivotal in fostering a unified front involving agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and CFO.
“What makes the Philippines stand out in the war against human trafficking is that there is an office specifically dedicated to centralize the approach of the government against human trafficking — IACAT,” she added.
CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II echoed this determination, vowing to remain proactive in safeguarding Filipinos. He cited the CFO’s ongoing education and awareness programs, including Community Education Programs (CEP) and Guidance and Counseling Programs (GCP), as instrumental in spreading anti-trafficking information.
“We have seen an increased awareness and perception of the public as regards human trafficking. This is proof that our collaborative efforts in IACAT are gaining traction,” Ang said. “However, this is not a cause for complacency. The CFO remains fully committed to advancing our anti-trafficking initiatives, strengthening victim protection, and reinforcing public education campaigns in far-flung places.”
He urged the public to stay alert and involved: “The fight against human trafficking is far from over. We urge all Filipinos here and abroad to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work with us in ending this heinous crime.”
