The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) today reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to an intensified, “whole-of-government” campaign against human trafficking, prioritizing the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the aggressive prosecution of global trafficking syndicates.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that the government is taking decisive action through seamless coordination with domestic law enforcement and international partners.
“We are working closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” Secretary Cacdac stated.
The Secretary highlighted that the DMW has already shifted to a proactive operational footing, conducting successful entrapment operations at major airports and deploying specialized labor attachés and rapid response teams to critical transit hubs, including Bangkok and Phnom Penh. These deployments are designed to ensure immediate intervention and assistance for distressed OFWs in the region.
DMW Undersecretary Darlene Pajarito issued a stern warning regarding the evolving nature of trafficking operations, specifically citing the trend of “criminal displacement.” This tactic involves traffickers moving victims across multiple borders—notably observed in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam—to evade local law enforcement and exploit jurisdictional gaps.
“Across government, our focus remains steadfast on supporting the victims,” Undersecretary Pajarito said. “The DMW is in constant coordination with the DOJ and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to ensure that every rescued individual receives the comprehensive legal assistance and protection they deserve.”
The DMW reported that the collaborative efforts of various government agencies have already resulted in numerous successful rescue missions and the filing of multiple criminal cases against traffickers.
By integrating victim protection with rigorous field operations, the DMW aims to dismantle the infrastructure of human trafficking and provide a robust safety net for migrant workers at every stage of their journey.
