By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT) on Wednesday said it has repatriated 375 Filipino citizens back to the country for the first half of 2025.
Speaking to reporters, IACAT Executive Director Hannah Lizette Manalili of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the council has provided support to a total of 900 victims of various forms of trafficking in the same period through its operations center.
“With the collaborative efforts of our task forces and member agencies, we have prosecuted a total of 111 individuals with a total of 50 convictions,” she added.
“This demonstrates our unwavering effort not only to monitor cases but to prosecute. ‘Yun po ang ating (That is our) strong commitment not only to rescue victims but to file cases against their perpetrators.”
Most of those charged were for sex trafficking and forced labor. Of the convictions, 14 were for sex trafficking and one for illegal child adoption.
The IACAT continues to lead the national effort to combat trafficking in persons through a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and victim-centered approach.
For the first half of 2025, the agency focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, and ensuring survivor-centered support. (PNA)
