Quezon City councilor lauds DOJ’s anti-trafficking campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas has commended the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its efforts in addressing human trafficking, as shown in the Tier 1 standing of the Philippines in the US government’s Trafficking in Persons Report.

“We recognize the achievements of the DOJ during the administration of President Marcos,” Vargas said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Undersecretary Jesse Andres have pushed the boundaries of what the department can achieve in curbing human trafficking, Vargas said.

Earlier, Remulla said the government is more determined in prosecuting those who exploit Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors such as children and women.

“We will never stop or slow down our campaign against human traffickers until every single one of them falls in the hands of justice,” he said.

According to Vargas, the Tier 1 status of the country reflects the dedication of the DOJ in protecting Filipinos against the trafficking and exploitation of women and children.

He said the ranking also recognized the increased efforts of the DOJ to investigate cases of human trafficking, prosecute and convict traffickers in courts, render aid to victims, pass supportive policies and enhance the capacity of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

The IACAT, led by Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, has also been a part of this success. Human traffickers pose a big challenge for the DOJ, but the department is succeeding in changing the world’s impression of the country and in making communities safer, according to Vargas.