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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR supports Senate bill on expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in PH

CHR supports Senate bill on expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in PH

Published Jan 11, 2022 02:12 pm

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has supported the passage of Senate Bill No. 2449 that would strengthen the country’s law against human trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208 which was enacted in 2003.

Senate Bill No. 2449 on Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2021 seeks to provide guidelines for law enforcement agencies on the investigation, interception, and prosecution of different forms of human trafficking, and increasing responsibilities of businesses in preventing trafficking of persons, the CHR said.

Through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHR said that “human trafficking is a form of modern slavery wherein young children and adults are oftentimes forced to engage in sexual acts against their will.”

“Trafficking of persons aided by movement limitations brought about by the pandemic and easy access to the internet has led to an increase on the cases of child abuse and online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC),” De Guia, a lawyer, said.

Last December, the Department of Justice (DOJ)-led Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) reported that 657 victims of human trafficking were rescued while 41 suspects were arrested in 2021 during 66 operations conducted by law enforcers.

IACAT said that in 2020 there were 317 operations conducted that resulted in the rescue of 30 victims and the arrest of 40 persons. It added that in 2019, 40 victims were rescued while 62 suspects were arrested in 210 operations.

The inter-agency council coordinates and monitors implementation of RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The CHR said that Senate Bill No. 2449 aims to combat human trafficking and, therefore, decrease incidences of OSEC.

It said: “The proposed bill increases the roles and responsibilities of private businesses such as internet intermediaries, remittance centers, banks and other financial institutions in preventing human trafficking. It also aims to increase the protection for victims of trafficking and provides the duties of local government units in the recovery and reintegration support of trafficked persons and their families.”

De Guia said the CHR “joins the proponents of Senate Bill No. 2449 in calling for greater action to protect individuals against trafficking.”

“Together, let us take continuous efforts and proactive actions in ensuring that no individual falls under the trap of forced labor or sexual exploitation,” she said.

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