Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chaiman is calling for a more vigorous collaboration among countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to fight  human trafficking.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre had this to say as he welcomed the repatriation of 187 Filipino human trafficking victims from Myanmar.

The Tingog Party-list, also being represented by Rep. Yedda Romualdez, applauded the Philippine government “for its prompt and coordinated efforts” in repatriating the victims.

Acidre said the repatriation, spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), resulted from crucial collaboration with authorities from Thailand and Myanmar.

“This decisive action among ASEAN member states underscores the urgent need to address the growing human trafficking crisis in the region. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing threat that human trafficking poses to vulnerable individuals and communities,” he said.

While the nation celebrates the return to the country and their families of the 187, “Our hearts remain heavy for the 62 Filipinos still trapped in trafficking compounds in Myanmar,” the committee cchairman said. 

“Their plight highlights the relentless nature of human trafficking, which preys on the most marginalized members of society. This situation calls for robust preventive measures, enhanced law enforcement collaboration, and heightened public awareness campaigns to shield our citizens from falling victim to these criminal enterprises,” Acidre added.

Tingog Party-list urged all government agencies to intensify and sustain their efforts in identifying, rescuing, and providing support to trafficking victims. 

“Furthermore, we advocate for stronger regional cooperation among ASEAN member states to forge a unified and comprehensive response to human trafficking, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes,” Acidre said.

He said as chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, “We reaffirm our commitment to advancing policies that protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos abroad.”

“Let this repatriation serve as a catalyst for all stakeholders to renew their dedication to combating human trafficking, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in such dire situations,” he said.