DMW, foreign organization join forces to assist Pinoy human trafficking victims in US
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has joined forces with a foreign non-government organization to assist Filipino victims of human trafficking in the United States.
In the agreement with Polaris Project, the DMW has committed to identifying potential victims of human trafficking among Filipinos entering the US and offering them prompt legal, shelter, and other services.
DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez signed the agreement on behalf of the department with Polaris Project Chief Executive Officer Catherine Chan.
"The agreement not only amplifies our anti-human trafficking initiatives but also fosters cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental entities,' said Cacdac.
Polaris, a non-government organization advocating to combat sex and labor trafficking in North America, is operating the US National Human Trafficking Hotline, which connects victims and survivors to support and services and helps communities hold traffickers accountable.
Cacdac said the DMW will spearhead the reporting process to the Philippine Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT) to ensure the prosecution of those implicated in trafficking activities.
It will also work with the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy to simplify the documentation procedures for survivors and victims of human trafficking, including passport renewals, extensions, and the issuance of travel documents.