DOJ Unveils Government PBBM Accomplishments Against Human Trafficking

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday highlighted the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos in combating human trafficking.

At a press forum in Quezon City, Department of Justice Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Mico Clavano said the Philippines has achieved Tier 1 for nine consecutive years in the U.S. government's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.

Achieving Level 1 indicates that the country has met global and international benchmarks and standards in combating human trafficking.

“So we're harassing the model country in terms of our efforts against trafficking and against online child sexual abuse and exploitation. So that's something that I think the country should be very proud of,” Clavano said.

On the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), Clavano said President Marcos was concerned about statistics showing that the Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to this crime.

“He (President Marcos) was very embarrassed to consider the country as one of the most vulnerable countries for OSAEC,” Clavano said.

Being an English-speaking nation and “one of the most text-savvy countries,” the Philippines is subject to OSAEC.

“These considerations make our country very vulnerable. But the president supported our efforts and pushed us to do more for our children and future generations,” Clavano said.

Clavano encouraged Filipinos to unite in the fight against crimes against children by reporting cases to authorities.

“So we hope that this national approach, this government approach, this national approach will work. “There have been similar incidents in every barangay, in every region, and I have not reported natural disasters for people who have not been victims of crimes in that region,” he said.

Earlier this month, President Marcos ordered the implementation of the Comprehensive and Intensive Action Plan to Combat OSAEC and CSAEM (Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material), directing a centralized system that uses technology and specialized cybercrime methods to detect and report cases of OSAEC.

All relevant agencies, the President said, must prioritize the protection of children and make it the center of all programs and policies.(PND)