New Guidelines to Strengthen Anti-Trafficking Efforts, Not Intrude on Privacy: IACAT
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) of the Philippines recently announced revised guidelines for international-bound Filipino passengers that aim to enhance anti-trafficking measures in the country. Contrary to concerns about privacy intrusion, the IACAT clarified that these guidelines are primarily intended to combat human trafficking and not hinder travel or violate people’s privacy.
During a news forum held in Quezon City, Assistant Justice Secretary Mico Clavano, speaking on behalf of the IACAT, urged outbound Filipino travelers, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to comply with the revised guidelines. By preparing the necessary documents ahead of time, such as valid passports, visas, roundtrip tickets, and boarding passes, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free processing of their travel documents at immigration counters in airports.
Clavano emphasized that the new guidelines are not meant to impede the right to travel. Instead, they are part of the government’s effort to eradicate the extensive problem of human trafficking. He cited statistics revealing that nearly 99 percent of travelers do not encounter any issues during the process. The revised guidelines only include additional documentary requirements for categories of travelers identified as vulnerable to human trafficking, providing immigration officers with more information when doubts arise.
The 2023 revised IACAT guidelines are similar to the 2015 policy and do not impose additional documentation requirements on travelers. Immigration personnel are trained to look for red flags or potential trafficking victims and will only inquire further if inconsistencies or discrepancies are detected in travelers’ stories or if they fail to meet the officers’ standard.
Clavano clarified that the new guidelines did not change the process for presenting basic travel documents; they simply identified different categories of travelers and added additional requirements for those vulnerable to trafficking.
The IACAT hopes that these revised guidelines will serve as a deterrent to syndicates and fraudsters who target Filipino individuals, especially following the Tier 1 ranking given to the Philippines by the US State Department for its effective measures in combating human trafficking.
According to Clavano’s report, from January 1 to May 15 of this year, there were 39,061 referrals for secondary inspection. Out of these, 25,297 individuals were allowed to proceed with their departure, while 13,764 were deferred for further inspection.
The IACAT, through its revised guidelines, seeks to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts and ensure the protection of every Filipino traveler. By maintaining a balanced approach and considering different perspectives, the Council hopes to effectively combat human trafficking while respecting individuals’ rights and privacy.
In conclusion, the IACAT’s 2023 revised guidelines prioritize the fight against human trafficking in the Philippines, while not compromising people’s right to travel or invading their privacy. These guidelines aim to provide stronger measures and additional documentation requirements for vulnerable categories of travelers, helping immigration officers identify potential trafficking victims. With the Tier 1 ranking from the US State Department, the Philippines stands as an example of successful anti-trafficking efforts. As the country continues to address this pressing issue, the IACAT’s guidelines serve as a crucial step forward in protecting Filipino travelers and combating human trafficking.
