The Transit Phase
Traffickers can clandestinely organize their transport operations through different ports and land routes across the country. Many of the victims exit through international airports or other unchecked backdoors to other nations. What happens inside the state is part and parcel of the international dynamics of trafficking, and solutions must be combined on addressing these two dimensions.
Although trafficking is done in secret and belongs to the underground operation, fortunately there is a crucial stage when traffickers become highly visible, along with their recruited victims. This is during transit. It is in this stage that Visayan Forum Foundation and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) take roots in its intervention to combat human trafficking through the Port Half Way House Project in various seaports across the country. It is during this transit time when VF intercepts trafficking transport and apprehends suspected traffickers.
PPA and VF’s halfway houses in the ports are unique 24-hour facilities. These centers are being managed by a team of social workers and field organizers. VF operates eight halfway houses with the help of Port Task Force. The following are the services offered :
- Emergency temporary shelter towards reintegration;
- Informational assistance about travel, employment and possible support networks;
- Quick referral of cases, including legal remediation;
- Telephone hotline counselling;
- Regular outreach for stranded passengers;
- Training and advocacy to port community members such as the police, coast guard, shipping crew, porters and security guard;
This intervention is a joint project of Visayan Forum and Philippine Ports Authority - Gender and Development Focal Point Program is perhaps the first of its kind in the Asian shipping industry. It thrives on the collective efforts of government, business community, worker's organizations and other stakeholders inside the port.
Mobilizing the Port Community
The port is a complex, living entity that is constantly changing. Any intervention envisioned to be institutionalized in this community must also learn to adapt to this vibrancy. The creative synergies developed at this point of intervention in the port hopes to expand outside the port community in addressing the other complicated requirements of a solid mechanism in attacking the problem of child trafficking in the field of legislation and enforcement, justice and total protection.
At these ports, VF has also organized and built the capacity of the Anti-Trafficking Task Force composed of law enforcers like the coast guard, maritime police, and stevedoring workers group, and private companies. Together, they sustain efforts to ensure effective and coordinated responses for the investigation, rescue and removal, prosecution, healing and reintegration of the victims of human trafficking.
Shipping companies were trained to help in the process of identification of possible victims onboard their vessels and even in the ticket counters. In building their capacities against human trafficking, the shipping crew has not only mastered the skills but has also put in their own resources and has done their share. Thus, VF partners are not just beneficiaries of capacity building activities but are also co-implementers of VF’s strategy.
The Department of Labor and Employment quickly acts to verify recruiters' work permits as to the legality of employment agencies and workplace destinations. The Department of Justice is helping in prosecution and providing guidance to Port Task Force. The Department of Social Welfare and Development helps in repatriation, and reintegration of intercepted victims and potential victims of child trafficking. Their regional offices helps locate and coordinate with the family of the children.This unique cooperation has been declared a Global Best Practice by the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, UNICEF and the US State Department in its 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report.
