1 week ago
6
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Evelyn Macairan - The Philippine Star
February 2, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — With human trafficking continuing to be a persistent concern in the country, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday made an urgent appeal to the government to strengthen the laws and enforcement against human trafficking.
Bishop Socrates Mesiona, CBCP-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) chairman and apostolic vicar of Puerto Princesa, issued a four-page statement during yesterday’s observance of the National Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (NDPAHT).
Mesiona said, “With respect and urgency, we call on government institutions to continue strengthening the enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, enhance inter-agency coordination, protect victims, regulate recruitment systems, and address the root causes of trafficking such as poverty, inequality and lack of decent employment.”
He added that, “The protection of human dignity must remain at the center of public policy and governance.”
The CBCP-ECMI head also asked their 87 dioceses to create their own Diocesan Committee Against Human Trafficking (DCAHT).
One way for the church to strengthen its awareness campaign against human trafficking is for its dioceses to create a DCAHT which would help coordinate, prevent and protect people from being victimized by trafficking syndicates.
“Human trafficking remains a serious and persistent concern in the Philippines. Our country continues to be affected by various forms of exploitation, including illegal recruitment, forced labor, sexual exploitation and the growing threat of online abuse, particularly involving children,” Mesiona said.
“Many Filipinos are deceived by false promises of employment and opportunity, both locally and abroad. Poverty, displacement, lack of access to education, armed conflict, natural disasters and the misuse of digital platforms continue to heighten vulnerability, especially among migrants, women, children and families in marginalized communities,” he added.
“These realities are not isolated incidents. They reflect deeper social conditions that demand urgent and sustained response,” Mesiona said.
He also encouraged the mention of the NDPAHT during masses to raise awareness. They could also hold forums and seminars, and use the digital platform and social media to spread their advocacy.
Mesiona believes that the NDPAHT is a “shared national call” between the church and the government.
