For 10 consecutive years, the Philippines has kept its Tier 1 rating in the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) of the United States Department of State, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) announced on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

A Tier 1 rank, the highest rating in the TIP report, means that the country fully meets the minimum international standards for eliminating human trafficking.

“This Tier 1 ranking is a beacon of light, an impetus for our sustained efforts,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, chairperson of the IACAT.

Remulla pointed out that the fight against trafficking is not only for Filipinos “but a fight for all of humanity.”

He said the current efforts being exerted by the government have been guided by President Marcos who gave the marching order “to end human trafficking, ban POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operators) that exploit individuals for forced scamming in our jurisdiction, and intensify efforts to put an end to the abhorrent crime of OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children).”

Meanwhile, DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix L. Ty, the IACAT undersecretary-in-charge, assured that “we will continue to amplify this distinguished recognition by reaching out to more stakeholders to be part of this collective mission.”

Ty said the IACAT will tap all stakeholders -- civil society organizations, private sectors, international organizations and foreign governments.

The IACAT explained that the TIP report which is released yearly assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of countries.

“Those who fully meet the minimum standards under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 for the elimination of trafficking are placed on Tier 1,” it said.

Citing the TIP report, the IACAT said that “out 188 governments assessed, only 33 countries obtained the Tier 1 ranking status which the Philippines has consistently sustained for a decade now.”

It said the US State Department commended the Philippines for “the increased efforts of the Philippine government in its prosecution and law enforcement.”

“Real justice in real time was served to survivors of trafficking and their families through intensified rescue operations, investigation, pro-active case build-up, prosecution, and conviction,” it also said.

It cited, in particular, the use by the trial courts of plea bargaining in human trafficking cases particularly involving Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) as it significantly eased case resolution, and reduced potential for re-traumatizing child witnesses during trials.

It also cited the Philippine government’s provision of adequate services and assistance to Filipino trafficking victims.