From the Website of PNA
links https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1259899
PH keeps top marks in anti-human trafficking efforts
MANILA – The Philippines has kept its Tier 1 rating in the United States Department of State
The Tier 1 status is granted to governments that fully meet the minimum standards of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 for the elimination of trafficking.
"This Tier 1 ranking is a beacon of light, an impetus for our sustained efforts," Remulla, the chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), said.
'This fight is not only for our fellow Filipino nationals... this fight is for all of humanity."
The 2025 TIP report, which assesses anti-trafficking efforts of countries, states that the Philippine government continues to fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, highlighting key actions taken over the past year. These include:
-- Law enforcement progress: Authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted more traffickers, including corrupt officials, with the majority of those convicted receiving significant prison sentences.
-- New legislation: The government enacted measures to regulate fishing recruitment agencies, aimed at safeguarding Filipino fishers from exploitation.
-- Disrupting trafficking schemes: Steps were taken to curb industrial-scale human trafficking linked to online scam operations, including the banning of Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) licenses, which had often been misused as cover for such activities.
The report also outlined a set of prioritized recommendations for the Philippines to further strengthen its fight against human trafficking, including intensifying efforts to investigate and prosecute traffickers — including labor traffickers and complicit officials — and ensuring that convicted offenders face significant prison terms.
Authorities were also called on to step up proactive identification and assistance for trafficking victims, with expanded training for law enforcement, labor inspectors, and social service providers to recognize trafficking indicators.
Particular attention was directed at online scam operations, where many victims remain unrecognized.
The IACAT said the 2025 TIP report was released on Sept. 29.
Out of 188 governments assessed, only 33 countries obtained the Tier 1 rank.
The Philippines has maintained this top ranking for 10 consecutive years.
The US State Department specifically commended the Philippine government for its whole-of-nation and victim-centric approach, noting its increased efforts in prosecution, prevention, and victim protection.
Remulla said the government is guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching orders to intensify efforts to end human trafficking, ban illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) that exploit individuals for forced scamming, and put an end to the crime of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
Meanwhile, Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty reinforced the need for continued global partnership to end human trafficking.
He said the national campaign, "Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon, Tapusin ang Human Trafficking at OSAEC Ngayon (One Nation, One Action, End Human Trafficking and OSAEC Now)” can only succeed if demand and destination countries share the mission.
"We are only a part of a larger chain of protection. Thus, we will continue to amplify this distinguished recognition by reaching out to more stakeholders from civil society organizations, private sectors, international organizations and foreign governments," Ty said. (with report from Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
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