The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday highlighted the accomplishments of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ administration in fighting human trafficking.
In a news forum in Quezon City, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said the Philippines achieved Tier 1 for nine consecutive years in the US government’s Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).
Reaching Tier 1 indicates the country has reached the global and international criteria and standard in combating human trafficking.
“So, nagiging model country po tayo in terms of our efforts against trafficking as well as iyong online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. So, that is something that I think the country should be very proud of,” Clavano said.
As for Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), Clavano said President Marcos is bothered by the statistics showing the Philippines as one of the most vulnerable countries for the crime.
“He (President Marcos) was very bothered by… mga stats na pinakita natin dahil kinu-consider po tayo as one of the most vulnerable countries for OSAEC,” Clavano said.
Being an English-speaking nation and “one of the most text-savvy” countries make the Philippines prone to OSAEC.
“So, those considerations make our country very vulnerable. But the President has rallied behind our efforts and has pushed us to do more for our children and the future generations,” Clavano said.
Clavano encouraged Filipinos to be united in fighting crimes against children by reporting cases to the authorities.
“So we hope na this whole-of-nation approach, hindi lang whole-of-government approach kung hindi whole-of-nation approach will work. Kung mayroon po kayong nakikitang mga ganitong bagay sa inyong mga barangay, sa inyong mga area, i-report ninyo kaagad po sa mga awtoridad para matigil na ho natin itong krimen na ito,” 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 Materials), directing a centralized system that uses technology and specialized cybercrime methods to detect and report occurrences of OSAEC.
All relevant agencies, the President said, must prioritize the protection of children and make it the center of all programs and policies.
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