Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Mon Rodelas

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty highlighted the pressing need to boost cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia in the battle against human trafficking. He pointed out the cross-border nature of the crime and the alarming rise in the number of Filipinos falling victim to scams throughout Southeast Asia.As the Undersecretary overseeing the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Ty said that the regional dialogue and knowledge sharing with Cambodia aimed to bridge the gaps in legal and institutional views between the two countries. He cited recent high-profile incidents, like the pardon of 20 Filipinas convicted in Cambodia, as a clear illustration of the difficulties arising from differing definitions of who is considered a victim or a perpetrator of trafficking.“Yung parang perspektibo na nabigay nila sa atin ay yun baka maaaring pag-isipin natin muli itong ating napaka-liberal na approach sa ating mga kababayan na basta ang kababayan natin ay malinlang sa isang scam hub sa Cambodia, itinuturing na natin silang biktima, pinapauwi, binibigyan ng ayuda at kung ano-ano. Pero sa Cambodia, hindi ganon kasimple. Para sa kanila, dapat mas suriin nang mabuti na ng mga mga taong ito. Alamin kung sino ba ang biktima at sino ang criminal, sino ang perpetrator,” Ty explained.Ty also mentioned the increasing complexity of trafficking cases where Filipinos are knowingly getting involved in scam operations overseas, especially in Cambodia.“Ngayon parang lumalabas madaming mga kababayan natin alam na ang kanilang ginagawa. Kaya nga isang panibagong pagsubok ‘to sa atin na kung ganyan ang sitwasyon, ituturing pa ba natin silang biktima ng human trafficking?” he said.In response, the Philippine government has ramped up its enforcement efforts, which include shutting down illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and implementing stricter immigration screenings. So far this year, authorities have filed 15 human trafficking cases involving recruiters who were caught at airports.Ty shared plans to engage in similar discussions with other ASEAN countries like Brunei and to continue the annual regional IACAT summit with Southeast Asian partners.He also believes that the success of these collaborations depends on continuity. “Kung anong mga relationship na nagawa, mga activity, dapat ituloy lang. Dapat bukas ang komunikasyon. Dapat may mga joint operation or may mga information sharing,” said Ty.He also warned Filipinos thinking about seeking overseas employment through irregular channels that if they get involved in trafficking schemes, they might not be viewed as a victim anymore, noting that the government’s response could change.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty highlighted the pressing need to boost cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia in the battle against human trafficking.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty highlighted the pressing need to boost cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia in the battle against human trafficking.

PH-Cambodia to strengthen cooperation vs human trafficking

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PH-Cambodia to strengthen cooperation vs human trafficking

Mon Rodelas,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 19, 2025 10:33 PM PHT

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human trafficking issues

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