APRIL 19, 2013

NR # 3078B

Solon calls for intensive campaign vs. human trafficking

A lawmaker today urged the government to intensify its efforts against human trafficking vis--vis reports that the country is making some progress in its fight in what is considered a transnational problem. Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-list, Gabriela) said despite the reported progress in the Philippines fight against human trafficking, there is still a lot to do to curb human trafficking. Ilagan agreed with the statement of the Philippine Ambassador to Poland Patricia Ann Paez who said during an interview, that trafficking in persons poses a big challenge for the Philippines; as it does to countries which send a big number of migrant workers overseas. The party-list solon said the continuous migration of Filipinos for job opportunities abroad make them vulnerable to criminal syndicates engaged in human trafficking. The growing poverty especially among women and children increases their vulnerability to illegal recruitment and human trafficking, Ilagan said. Based on the International Labor Organization estimate, more than one million Filipinos leave the country each year to work abroad and these overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) can become potential victims of forced labor and human trafficking. Ilagan said Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act has been in place for several years now yet few convictions have been made. Ilagan is hopeful that the recent approval of RA 10364 which is an act expanding RA 9208, will further boost and intensify governments efforts to prevent or eliminate incidences of human trafficking and protect the welfare and safety especially of women and children. (30) mvip