Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights. It exploits vulnerable individuals, often women and children, through various forms of coercion and deception. In the Philippines, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is at the forefront of combating this crime as they also provide assistance to victims.
The fight against human trafficking requires a concerted and vigorous response, involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and dedicated community members.
Let’s delve into what IACAT does and the laws that empower it.
What is the IACAT?
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is the main body responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of anti-trafficking laws in the Philippines.
It operates under the mandate of Republic Act No. 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364.
The Department of Justice leads this council, promoting a unified and effective approach to tackling human smuggling.
Understanding RA 9208 and Its Amendment
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003
Republic Act 9208, known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, sets the policies to eliminate smuggling in persons, focusing particularly on protecting women and children.
This law establishes the necessary mechanisms to protect and support trafficked individuals and imposes penalties on traffickers.
The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012
In 2012, RA 9208 was amended by Republic Act No. 10364, also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
This amendment strengthens the original law, providing more comprehensive measures and stiffer penalties to combat trafficking.
Attached Agencies
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is a collaborative body composed of various government agencies and organizations working together to combat human trafficking in the Philippines.
Here is an overview of the agencies and organizations involved, as depicted in the provided image:
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Lead agency overseeing the implementation of anti-trafficking laws.
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Provides support and rehabilitation services to trafficking victims.
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Enforces laws and conducts investigations related to human trafficking.
- Bureau of Immigration (BI)
- Monitors and controls the movement of individuals to prevent human smuggling.
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Conducts investigations and gathers intelligence on relevant cases.
- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Assists Filipino victims abroad and coordinates with international agencies.
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Regulates employment practices to prevent labor trafficking.
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Coordinates local government units in the fight against human smuggling.
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Oversees the deployment of Filipino workers abroad to prevent this common issue.
- Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Ensures that tourism practices do not contribute to human smuggling.
- Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
- Advocates for policies and programs to protect women from this common issue.
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
- Patrols maritime borders to prevent human trafficking.
- Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC)
- Tracks and investigates financial transactions related to trafficking.
- Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
- Assists overseas Filipinos and raises awareness about trafficking.
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Provides medical services to trafficking victims.
- Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)
- Focuses on protecting children from trafficking.
- Department of Education (DepEd)
- Educates students and communities about the dangers of this issue at hand.
- Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
- Disseminates information and campaigns against human smuggling.
- League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP)
- Mobilizes provincial governments in anti-trafficking efforts.
- League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)
- Involves municipal governments in combating trafficking.
- Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute
- Provides training and policy advocacy to combat human smuggling.
- International Justice Mission (IJM)
- A global organization that collaborates with IACAT to rescue victims and prosecute traffickers.
Defining Trafficking in Persons
What Constitutes Trafficking?
Trafficking in persons involves recruiting, obtaining, hiring, providing, transporting, transferring, maintaining, harboring, or receiving individuals by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or exploitation of vulnerability.
This can occur with or without the victim’s consent and can cross national borders.
The exploitation includes, but is not limited to, prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, servitude, or the removal and sale of organs.
Reporting Human Trafficking
Who Can Report?
Anyone who knows or suspects that human smuggling is occurring should report the incident immediately. Reports can be made orally, in writing, or through other means.
Where to Report?
Reporting human trafficking is an important step in protecting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on where and how you can report suspected or alleged human trafficking incidents:
- Contact the IACAT Anti-Trafficking Task Force
- Direct Reporting: You can directly report to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Anti-Trafficking Task Force.
- Action Line: Use the IACAT 1343 Action Line for immediate assistance and reporting.
- Report to Local Authorities
- Barangay Authorities: Inform the barangay officials in your local community. Barangays are the smallest administrative divisions in the Philippines and often the first point of contact for local issues.
- Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO): Approach your local social welfare and development office. They are equipped to handle such reports and provide immediate assistance to victims.
- Notify Law Enforcement Agencies
- Nearest Police Station: Go to the nearest police station to report the incident. Law enforcement agencies have the authority to take immediate action and investigate the matter.
- Other Law Enforcement Agencies: You can also report to specialized law enforcement agencies that handle human smuggling cases.
- Reach Out to Child Protection Councils
- Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC): Contact the LCPC, which focuses on protecting children’s rights and welfare. They can provide specialized support and take necessary actions.
- Inform Anti-Trafficking Committees
- Members of the Council or Local Anti-Trafficking Committee: If there are members of the council or a local anti-trafficking committee in your area, report the incident to them. These committees are dedicated to combating human smuggling and supporting victims.
Summary of Reporting Channels
- IACAT Anti-Trafficking Task Force: Direct reporting and 1343 Action Line.
- Barangay Authorities: First point of contact in your community.
- Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO): Immediate assistance and support.
- Police Stations and Law Enforcement Agencies: For investigation and legal action.
- Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC): Specialized support for children.
- Local Anti-Trafficking Committees: Dedicated support and action against human smuggling.
By following these steps and knowing where to report, you can help protect victims and support the fight against the aforementioned issue.
Remember, timely reporting can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this heinous crime.
Mandatory Services for Trafficked Persons
Comprehensive Support Services
Under RA 9208, as amended by RA 10364, trafficked individuals are entitled to various services to aid in their recovery and reintegration. These services include:
- Temporary housing and food facilities
- Psychological support and counseling
- Free legal services
- Medical and psychological care
- Livelihood and skills training
- Educational assistance for trafficked children
- 24-hour call center crisis calls and technology-based counseling and referral systems
Legal Protections for Trafficked Persons
Recognized Victims
Trafficked individuals are recognized as victims and are not penalized for crimes directly related to the human smuggling acts or orders given by traffickers.
The victim’s consent to exploitation is deemed irrelevant.
Free Legal Assistance
Victims are provided with free legal services, including information about their rights, the procedure for filing complaints, claiming compensation, and other legal remedies.
For international human smuggling victims, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) offers free legal assistance to pursue legal action against traffickers and aids in securing social benefits and regular immigration status in the host country.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The privacy of trafficked individuals is protected at all stages of investigation, rescue, prosecution, and trial.
Personal information that could identify the victim or their family is kept confidential.
Witness Protection Program
Under Section 18 of RA 10364, victims who testify in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings are eligible for the Witness Protection and Benefits Program established under RA 6981.
Key Definitions Related to Trafficking
Prostitution
This involves any act where a person is used by another for sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct in exchange for money, profit, or other consideration.
Forced Labor
This is the extraction of work or services from an individual through violence, intimidation, coercion, or other means of threat and abuse of authority.
Slavery
Slavery is the condition where a person is treated as property, over whom any or all of the powers of ownership are exercised.
Involuntary Servitude
This is enforced and compulsory service induced by threats, coercion, physical restraint, or abuse of legal processes.
Sex Tourism
This involves the exploitation of individuals, often facilitated by deception, force, or coercion, for sexual activities in exchange for money or other benefits.
Debt Bondage
This is when a debtor pledges their personal services or those of a person under their control as security for a debt without a clear end or fair value of service applied toward the debt.
Pornography
This includes any representation through publication, exhibition, or other means of a person engaged in explicit sexual activities or displaying sexual parts for sexual purposes.
Video: PBBM, inatasan ang IACAT na paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa human trafficking
President Bongbong Marcos has tasked the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to strengthen efforts in combating human smuggling.
This directive aims to enhance efforts to combat this grave violation of human rights and assure the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is a serious crime that requires a coordinated and robust response.
The IACAT, supported by comprehensive laws like RA 9208 and RA 10364, plays a major role in combating human smuggling and supporting victims.
By understanding the definitions, reporting mechanisms, and protections in place, we can all contribute to the fight against human trafficking.