National Bureau of Investigation: Towards Mitigating Women and Children Trafficking and Exploitation

Abstract

The Philippines is one of the most trafficked countries. The Philippines is considered to be one of the most prominent online platforms for child sexual exploitation. This study will only focus on the aftercare services during the rescue and early recovery phase of the woman and child victims in violation of RA 9208- Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended RA 10364-Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act in Persons Act of 2012. It will not discuss the reintegration phase for it is the scope of social work and development (DSWD). Currently, there is no figure for the actual number of trafficking for there are unreported cases and it is borderless. There are also limitations in terms of women NBI agents. Rescue operations are beyond the scope of this paper for it is classified information and it varies from one operation to another. Mitigating the trafficking of women and children begins with addressing the root causes, raising public awareness, and strengthening the task forces that deal with these cases. According to the United Nations and the U.S. State Government, there are 3Ps to mitigate trafficking in persons. The researcher found 4Ps and these are: Prevent, Protect, Prosecute, and Partnership. The fight against trafficking in human beings in the Philippines remains an urgent and multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic and multi-pronged approach. Government, law enforcement, civil society, and international allies have played a key role in increasing awareness, enacting more stringent legislation, and supporting victims. Keywords: trafficking, exploitation, aftercare services, recue and early recovery phase, multi-pronged approach, women and children