Philippines Maintains Tier 1 Status on the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report

22 July 2022

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is pleased to report that the Philippines retained its Tier 1 ranking in the United States’ (U.S.) 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report released on July 19, 2022.

The ranking means that the Government of the Philippines fully met the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 by demonstrating serious and sustained efforts to address the problem during the covered period.  

“We welcome the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report and thank the U.S. Department of State for recognizing the anti-trafficking efforts of the Philippine Government,” said Secretary of Justice and IACAT Chairperson Jesus Crispin C. Remulla. “This recognition encourages us to continue our engagement and cooperation with all stakeholders, including the U.S. Government, towards our common advocacy of eradicating human trafficking,” he adds.

The report recognized specific Philippine efforts that included rescuing more victims than in 2020, drafting standard operating procedures for the identification and monitoring of trafficking-related corruption cases, sentencing nearly all indicted traffickers to significant prison terms, and creating an executive-level Department of Migrant Workers.

The Philippines has maintained its Tier 1 ranking for seven (7) consecutive years.  The ranking affects the country’s international relations with the US, including, among others, its eligibility for economic and security assistance.  Among the Southeast Asian countries, only the Philippines and Singapore are included in this year’s Tier 1 ranking.

The 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report may be accessed at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report.

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