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NEU HOSTS CFO TALK ON MIGRATION, HUMAN TRAFFICKING

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - In cooperation with New Era University (NEU), the Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO) held a symposium on migration and human trafficking in the University Hall this 13th of March, 2023. As part of the CFO's information campaign, the event aimed to teach the student audience about the benefits and risks of going abroad, and to spread awareness regarding human trafficking. NEU Guidance Counselor Office Director Bro. Carlo Rufo notes that there are many among the student audience that raised their hands when asked about going abroad. "Because of growing ease of travel and access to foreign jobs, many students desire to go abroad for career opportunities," Bro. Rufo claimed.

CFO senior immigrants officer Ms. Illuminada Gunabe lists the motivations for going overseas, as well as its perceived benefits and costs. "Be wise. Be smart. Your lives, your futures, your welfare are all in the line," Gunabe continued. Gunabe also informs the audience about Republic Act No. 10906 or the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Law, "An Act Providing Stronger Measures Against Unlawful Practices, Businesses, and Schemes of Matching and Offering Filipinos to Foreign Nationals for Purposes of Marriage of Common Law Partnership". "Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are attracted to the prospect of a "pandemic love affair". Human traffickers take advantage of social media to find them a match. Little do they know that they will be taken advantage of. Nakakatakot. Nakakaawa. Nakakagalit [Frightening. Pitiful. Infuriating.]," she lamented.

CFO senior emigrants officer Mr. Ariel Cruz defines human trafficking as a human rights issue that involves subsequent exploitation after illegal entry which may or may not involve coercion, fraud, or deception. "Human trafficking literally translates to pangangalakal ng tao [human trade]; it is a serious crime", he exclaimed. According to Cruz, human trafficking is the third largest crime in the world; first is drug trafficking, and second is arms smuggling. "It is modern-day slavery. The youngest recorded victim is a two-month-old child. Kalunos-lunos. Kaawa-awa [Tragic. Pitiful.]," he said. Cruz reminds potential migrants among the audience to undergo due procedures to avoid being victims of human trafficking.

CFO information systems analysis officer Ms. Marjorie Aboga shared the contact details of the Inter-Agency Against Human Trafficking (IACAT), the enforcers of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. "The 1343 Action Line is open 24/7. We hope to involve the public in ending human trafficking," she added.

Lastly, Ms. Winona Krishna Dinglasan, a representative of Destiny Rescue Pilipinas (DRP), a non-government organization (NGO) that coordinates with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to combat child sex exploitation, took the stage and presented their advocacy. "One million children are being exploited around the world. A girl told us that they were sold and pimped for 8 dollars. We at DRP offer education and jobs for these victims in the hopes of a better future," she said. She then warns the public about the red flags of child sex exploitation, and calls the audience to action. "She has a voice. It is our job to listen," she ended.