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Government Action Plans

Government of Philippines' Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking

The Philippines Government has acknowledged the problem of trafficking in women and children and has carried out activities through the collective efforts of various national and local government units, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and international donors. The Catholic Church, through its international networks and various migrant-focus organizations, provides counseling, referrals and crisis care for Filipinos abroad.

Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACaT), together with other relevant government agencies, is mandated to implement RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003).  The IACaT is composed of the following:

• Department of Justice (DOJ) as Chair
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Co-Chair
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
• Bureau of Immigration (BI)
• Philippine National Police (PNP)
• National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCFRW)

Three representatives from NGOs composed of one representative each from women, children and OFW sectors, shall be part of the IACAT. The representatives are nominated by the government members of the IACAT and appointed by the President for a term of three years. The NGOs shall assist the government in preventing trafficking activities, protecting and re-integrating trafficking victims and prosecuting traffickers.¹

Multi-Sectoral Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons

In November 2003, Twenty-four sectoral partners from the government, law enforcement agencies, religious and business groups, non-governmental organizations, and the transport sector have formed the Multi-Sectoral Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons, the country’s first nationwide alliance and network against the illegal and criminal industry. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was at the launching of the this Alliance, and the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc along with the ILO convened the meeting. The Alliance is mandated by RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act enacted in May 2003.

The Alliance’s goals outlined in a memorandum of understanding formalizing the multi-sectoral alliance are as follows:

• Provide effective, sensitive and systematic direct services in cases of trafficking
• Expand and maximize the involvement of various sectors against trafficking
• build the capacities of partner agencies from civil society and government in the implementation and monitoring of the anti-trafficking law
• address the root causes of trafficking in persons and work towards the development of long term solutions.