World Day Against Trafficking webinar a success
The use and abuse of technology was one of the highlights of the discussion during the Bangsamoro Government and Ople Center’s “ANO, TRAFFICKING? NO TRAFFICKING” webinar held in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking on July 30.
Prosecutor Mon-Em Abangad from the Department of Justice – BARMM stated that Trafficking in Persons (TIP) is the second fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there have been 248 Filipinos who have been trafficked from July to December 2021. Further, 868 administrative charges were filed against licensed recruitment agencies for disallowed practices according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). This led to the cancellation of 18 licenses.
The Ople Center Executive Director, Diana Ople San Jose, talked about the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and hinder trafficking in persons. She reminded attendees to be more aware of how technology can be used to be of better service to our fellowmen and to our country.
The webinar also highlighted how different government agencies under the BIACAT-VAWC work together to provide coordinated effort to provide service and protect TIP victims, both here and abroad. Among these services from MSSD and OWWA like mental health psychosocial support, recovery packages, skills training programs and financial assistance.
Victims or members of the public who have personal knowledge of trafficking cases are encouraged to file cases against traffickers. They were also assured that the government will help and protect them.
BARMM residents who wish to file a case or seek assistance can contact the TIP hotline at 0917-105-8869.
Distressed OFWs can also reach the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) hotline 1348 or email repat@dmw.gov.ph.
Over 800 viewers were reached by the webinar organized by the Ople Center and the Bangsamoro Government through the PROTECT Project supported by AWO International. Aside from Prosecutor Abangad, other resource persons include Minister Raissa Jajurie and Ms Jan Michelle Agata (Ministry of Social Welfare and Development), Director Sarah Jane Sinsuat (Ministry of Labor and Employment), Mr Hubaib Midtemeg (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - BARMM), and Mr Dan Bagsic of AWO International.