Asean to discuss human trafficking in Boracay Island

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan—Senior officials of the Asean Plus Three is holding a three-day tabletop exercise that ends March 22 to discuss issues and concerns on human trafficking.

Ilyne Galasinao, senior research analyst of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes (PCTC), said the Philippines is currently the lead shepherd of the Asean in the fight against human trafficking.

At least 80 delegates composed of law enforcers with the International Police (Interpol), government prosecutors and immigration officials attended the activity. The meeting is also in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Trafficking in person is a global scourge that contributes to the violation of human rights. Based on researches, the majority of the traffic victims are women. The Philippines is the country lead shepherd of trafficking in persons and the fight against human trafficking is one of the main thrusts of the President of the Philippines.

The PCTC, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, headed by Assistant Secretary Nestor F. Quinsay Jr. and Senior Officers Leader Philippines, organized this tabletop exercise,” Galasinao said.

Speakers of the tabletop exercise included Bruce Kelly, team leader of the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Person; Director Jose Robert R. Nunez, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense; Archana Kotecha, head of the Legal Organization of Liberty Asia; Paul Buckley, regional technical assistant of the United Nations Action for Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons; Assistant City Prosecutor Darlene R. Pajarito and Undersecretary Jimmy L. Manabat of the Presidential Anti-Organization Crime Commission.

Kelly said that aside from involving women, men and children, victims are also increasing its number.

Intelligence officials privy to the forum said up for discussion are illegal drugs and the case of slain overseas Filipino worker Joana Demafiles of Iloilo. Demafiles was physically abused and killed by her employer in Kuwait.