The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the passage of Senate Bill No. 2449 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2021, which aims to strengthen the country’s laws in combatting human trafficking by providing guidelines for law enforcement agencies on the investigation, interception, and prosecution of different forms of human trafficking and increasing responsibilities of businesses in preventing trafficking of persons.

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery wherein young children and adults are oftentimes forced to engage in sexual acts against their will. Trafficking of persons aided by movement limitations brought about by the pandemic and easy access to the internet has led to an increase on the cases of child abuse and online sexual abuse of children (OSEC). The Department of Justice received 2.8 million reports in 2021— twice more than the 1.3 million reported cases of OSEC in 2020.

The proposed Senate Bill No. 2449 aims to combat human trafficking and, therefore, decrease incidences of OSEC. The proposed bill increases the roles and responsibilities of private businesses such as internet intermediaries, remittance centers, banks and other financial institutions in preventing human trafficking. It also aims to increase the protection for victims of trafficking and provides the duties of local government units in the recovery and reintegration support of trafficked persons and their families.

CHR joins the proponents of Senate Bill No. 2449 in calling for greater action to protect individuals against trafficking. Together, let us take continuous efforts and proactive actions in ensuring that no individual falls under the trap of forced labor or sexual exploitation. ###