Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Saturday that the Philippines has been recognized by the United States for its unwavering commitment in combatting human trafficking.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said they have received information that the country has maintained its Tier 1 status for the eighth consecutive year in the US Department’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report.
Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Photo from Bureau of Immigration
The Tier 1 ranking is the highest classification given by the US State Department, indicating that a country fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is actively working to address the issue.
“The Bureau of Immigration remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting this crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens abroad,” Tansingco said in a statement.
“We will continue to protect our fellow countrymen from this modern-day slavery,” he added.
The retention of its status acknowledges the Philippine government’s serious and sustained efforts in fighting human trafficking.
The bureau, as an active member of the Department of Justice-led Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat), has played a crucial role in strengthening efforts to protect overseas Filipinos from the threat of human trafficking and labor exploitation abroad.
In recent years, the bureau has intensified its collaboration with relevant agencies and international partners to combat trafficking.
Through the Iacat, the bureau works closely with law enforcement agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to formulate and implement comprehensive anti-trafficking strategies.
Recently, the bureau was the first to raise its alarm against a human trafficking scheme that victimized Filipinos, enticing them to work in pseudo-call centers abroad, only to end up trafficked in a crypto scam ring.
“This citation is a result of the joint effort of all members of the Iacat, which has been very active in combatting trafficking on all fronts,” Tansingco said.
“Despite the challenges, we will remain vigilant against new forms of trafficking targeting vulnerable Filipinos,” he added.
Also tagged as Tier 1 are Australia, Canada, France, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
— Claire Bernadette Mondares
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