The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) takes every report on human trafficking with utmost seriousness and remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all victims. Thus, IACAT commends the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their swift and decisive action in rescuing victims of human trafficking during the execution of a warrant of arrest in Davao City.
The rescued victims are now under the protection of the police after having been assessed and processed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in accordance with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
The IACAT wishes to highlight certain relevant provisions of our Anti-Trafficking Law:
SEC. 17-A. Temporary Custody of Trafficked Victims. – The rescue of victims should be done as much as possible with the assistance of the DSWD or an accredited NGO that services trafficked victims. A law enforcement officer, on a reasonable suspicion that a person is a victim of any offense defined under this Act including attempted trafficking, shall immediately place that person in the temporary custody of the local social welfare and development office, or any accredited or licensed shelter institution devoted to protecting trafficked persons after the rescue.
SEC. 17-C. Immunity from Suit, Prohibited Acts and Injunctive Remedies. – No action or suit shall be brought, instituted or maintained in any court or tribunal or before any other authority against any: (a) law enforcement officer; (b) social worker; or (c) person acting in compliance with a lawful order from any of the above, for lawful acts done or statements made during an authorized rescue operation, recovery or rehabilitation/intervention, or an investigation or prosecution of an anti-trafficking case: Provided, That such acts shall have been made in good faith.
Given that this is not the first time information has reached the IACAT about alleged human trafficking within the religious organization, IACAT strongly encourages any other victims or their relatives to come forward. For immediate assistance, please contact the IACAT and PNP Aleng Pulis hotlines: (IACAT – 1343 or (02) 1343 if outside NCR; Aleng Pulis – 09688964759)
In the same vein, IACAT urges all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to continue their search for potential victims of trafficking, always upholding the law and respecting human rights. We also call on the members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) to cooperate fully in the ongoing efforts to implement the warrant of arrest and rescue other potential victims.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and IACAT are coordinating closely with the PNP and DSWD Region 11 to provide comprehensive support to the alleged victims and to assist in the case build-up. If and when the facts are verified and there is indeed a case for human trafficking, prosecution shall ensue.
IACAT reaffirms its commitment to the fight against human trafficking and will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the protection and rehabilitation of all victims.