FSI Promotes Awareness to Combat Trafficking-in-Persons

IACAT OIC Executive Director Atty. Wendel Bendoval (DOJ) Atty. Gemma Dela Cruz (Bureau of Immigration), Mr. Christian Bioc (Department of Social Welfare and Development), Prosecutor General  Benedicto Malcontento (DOJ), and Atty. Ma. Grace Arboladura (Department of Social Welfare and Development) shared their expertise to combat human trafficking.

MANILA 29 July 2024 – The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) successfully conducted the Seminar on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATiP) from 17 to 18 July 2024 as part of its observance of this year’s National Anti- Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month. Participants from FSI, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) received foundational knowledge on human trafficking. 

In his opening remarks on the opening day, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega challenged the participants to be “noble” and to uphold their duties as Foreign Service Officers to combat human trafficking, particularly during their postings overseas, 

Various experts from government agencies that form part of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) shared key concepts and legal frameworks on Trafficking-in-Persons (TiP) issues, including the principles embodied in the Palermo Protocol and the 3 Ps framework of Prosecution, Protection, and Prevention. A fourth “P” was added in the discussion, which emphasizes “Partnership.”

On the second day of the Seminar, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” S. Domingo underscored the need for stronger cooperation and integration between government agencies and international partners.

Anti-trafficking experts from the Australian and US Embassies to the Philippines shared case studies on their country’s experience and good practices to address human trafficking. 

Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento of the Department of Justice (DOJ), in his lecture to participants, acknowledged that government service is a challenge due to the magnitude of work but enjoined them to assist trafficking-in-persons victim-survivors.

The FSI launched the Seminar on Anti-Trafficking in Persons as its contribution in sustaining the competency of Philippine foreign service personnel to protect Filipino overseas against the peril of human trafficking. The seminar is a component of the Program on Migration and Consular Services under the Foreign Service Officers’ Cadetship Course 2024. END

Australian Federal Police Federal Agent Daisie Beckensall from the Australian Embassy and Homeland Security Attaché Stephen Richardson and Mr. Michael Coleman from the US Embassy shared their respective country’s efforts to eliminate human trafficking cases.

DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose De Vega (top photo) and DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” S. Domingo (bottom photo) enjoined participants to protect overseas Filipinos against human trafficking.

Source: https://fsi.gov.ph/2024/07/19/fsi-promotes-awareness-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons/