A glimpse into the Trafficking issue in the Philippines

In the Philippines, trafficking is now a serious crime. The Visayan Forum Foundation, a non-government organization (NGO) working to eradicate child labor and child trafficking, and the convenor of this multisectoral network, says that in the Philippines many children from poor provinces are trafficked into brothels, factories and other worst forms of child labor. Poverty, lack of job opportunities, the conflict in the Mindanao Muslim areas, and mere inability of young girls to continue schooling are the main reasons why many children still fall victim to trafficking. Criminal organizations continue to grow and expand. They even have their own advertising outlets to lure victims. Immigration controls need to be enhanced. Fraudulent documents can easily be obtained. Neighboring countries lack cooperation. Many victims are afraid and unwilling to cooperate for fear of retaliation. They lack information and awareness of the protective services they can avail of.