Tingog Partylist urges regional anti-trafficking collaboration

TINGOG Party-list on Wednesday called for a more vigorous collaboration among countries in the Southeast Asian region to combat human trafficking.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, made the call as he welcomed the repatriation from Myanmar of 187 Filipino human trafficking victims.

The Tingog Party-list, also being represented by Rep. Yedda K. 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 and the Department of Migrant Workers, involved 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,” he 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 Partylist 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 Filipino Workers, “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.

He pointed out that Tingog Party-list “remains unwavering in its advocacy for a government that not only cares, but also takes decisive action to uphold the dignity and security of every Filipino, no matter where they may be in the world.”

“Together, we can create a future free from the scourge of human trafficking,” Acidre added.