After two successful runs of the Regional Trafficking Prevention Workshop for civil society organizations and government agencies with community-based programs, VFFI and IACAT will hold the final leg of this workshop series on August 19-21, 2015.

Despite intensified government and CSO efforts to combat human trafficking in the Philippines, new cases and faces of human trafficking are on the rise. Some new forms of exploitation include but are not limited to cybersex, sex-tourism, tourist-worker scheme and forced labor such as abusive domestic work, pa-aling (deep sea compressor/bubble fishing) and the like.

Sex trafficking in bars and brothels as an organized underground crime remains pervasive. Prostitution has evolved because of the Internet. Cybersex operators profit up to $20-billion every year. There have been actual cases of parents selling their children, as husbands pimping their wives through online live streaming. However, there is limited data to analyze the impacts of these new forms of exploitation and how to best proceed with cases filed.

In this context, prevention is more than ever most important in the fight against trafficking.

The Visayan Forum (VF) has incubated strategic community-based programs that build communities and empower families to be resilient human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The Bantay Komunidad (BK) or Community Watch Network is a mechanism that equips and empowers parents with knowledge and skills on child protection, eliminating violence at home, and preventing human trafficking and exploitation.

Hand in hand with local government officials from the barangays, the Bantay Komunidad has created a network of leaders who detect, report and monitor cases of abuse and exploitation, and trafficking and modern slavery happening within the community, in order to build a is safer place for women and children.

In this light, VF envisions to inspire its partners to build a replicate such community watch mechanisms in their own project areas. By training community leaders towards forming dynamic and self-initating community watch-networks, they will be able to drive the impetus for generating collective actions within and among communities and local stakeholders. In the long run, such efforts will impact to a wider and more cohesive action among various sectors of society, including grassroots, to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.

Objectives of the Workshop:

A two-day trainors training will be conducted in Manila on June 3 to 5 involving representatives from different LGUs, NGOs and MFI groups from Luzon to achieve the following aims:

1. Deepen awareness on new trends on human trafficking and underlying cultural beliefs using a practical training approach which can be replicated in community seminars;

2. To share VF’s theory of change in developing communities that are resilient to human trafficking (Ventures for Freedom);

3. To share good practices in addressing root causes of preventing human trafficking cases;

4. To identify local opportunities and approaches in engaging community leaders in participatory governance;

5. To start a practical coversation in bridging communities to economic opportunities provided by financial institutions;

6. To agree on practical next steps that strengthen a regional network of community – watch groups and build an inter-regional referral pathways for community–based prevention watchdogs

Called “Bahay Silungan sa Daungan”, the shelter will also serve as a hub of operations of the Manila Anti – Trafficking Task Force – a composite team of government agencies, law enforcers, private shipping companies, and non-government organizations implementing various programs and services to combat human trafficking including regular pro-active victim identification and rescue operations at the port. This well-entrenched catchment mechanism that aborts trafficking in transit was recognized as global best practice back in 2005 by the United States Trafficking in Persons Report for its successful public-private partnership model that strategically and systematically curbs human trafficking.

Both MNHPI and VFFI are members of the Task Force which is led by the Department of Justice – Manila. Other members include 2Go Group, Inc., the Aboitiz Transport System Corporation – Superferry, the Philippines Span Asia Carrier, and the Negros Navigation for the Private Sector; the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Manila Police District, for Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.

Since the first halfway house was built in 2001 by the Philippine Ports Authority and operated by VFFI, over 4,000 victims and potential victims of human trafficking have been sheltered at the Bahay Silungan, while over 23,000 people-on-the-move-and-at-risk were served by the Task Force through the shelter and the Task Force’s Help Desk.

The new facility will be able to house at least thirty (30) victims at one time. It comes complete with a Conference Room for Task Force Meetings and Case Conferences, a Counseling Room to be used in providing psycho-social care for victims, an Ecumenical Prayer Room, and Entertainment Room, and 2 dormitories.

According to Mr. Richard Barclay, CEO of MNHPI, the shelter is a manifestation of the company’s commitment to ending human trafficking and modern slavery – “we will not allow our business, our structures, to be used to perpetuate human trafficking; so we are enabling the fight against it by building this shelter” he said.

Ms. Cecilia Oebanda, President of VFFI, thanked the MNHPI management for the world-class shelter facility – “we are deeply motivated and inspired by this act from MNHPI, this only means that the fight to end human trafficking is intensifying and we are getting close to winning it; we hope that other private companies can take up the cudgels too and commit to the fight the way that MNHPI does.”

In response to the experience of migrant worker Mary Jane Veloso who as a victim of human trafficking has already spent five years in prison in Indonesia and whose life continues to hang in the balance on death row, this forum is intended to bring together those interested in further developing both the discourse and advocacy around the human trafficking of migrant workers.  Seeking to empower migrant and church advocates in articulating the dynamics of the trafficking of migrants—especially in light of Philippine labor export policy—this forum will explore the situation of Filipino migrants, provide opportunity to listen to the stories and experiences of migrant workers, and strengthen our capabilities/enable our engagement with the Filipino public and global partners in combating human trafficking.

Please feel free to contact Deaconess Norma Dollaga of the  Church Task Force To Save Mary Jane  at telephone  number  9251786 or  mobile phone number 09493610551.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking and encouraged governments and civil society to raise massive awareness on human trafficking and modern slavery on this date, every year.

Hence, the Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., together with the Quezon City Government, is organizing a mass mobilization on July 29, 2015 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. The event, a community walk entitled “Walk For Freedom: Wakasan Ang Human Trafficking, Ito’y Ating Tungkulin” will gather 5,000 individuals from all sectors of society to raise awareness on human trafficking and modern slavery.

In solidarity with the nation and the world in celebrating milestones in the fight against human trafficking, everyone is encouraged to participate.

To confirm participation or for inquiries about the event, please feel free to reach us through (02) 709 0711 local 107, mobile number 0917-546-7160, or e-mail addresses [email protected] and [email protected].

Below are details of the Event.

World Day Against Trafficking 2015 Philippine Celebration

Walk For Freedom: Wakasan ang Human Trafficking, Ito’y Ating Tungkulin

July 29, 2015 | 5:30 – 9:00 AM

Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Philippines

Rationale:

• UN General Assembly designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking, encouraging member states and civil society to raise awareness on human trafficking on this date
• The Philippines will hold a massive mobilization event on July 29, 2015 in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT). The Event will be festive and calling for specific actions such as the full implementation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
• At the national level, the IACAT together with Visayan Forum and the local government of Quezon City will spearhead the celebrations; locally, Anti-trafficking Task Forces are enjoined to collaborate with civil society in implementing WDAT 2015 activities

Indicative Program 

Important Details

• Colors and Outfit

Please wear your organizational shirts or uniform, in the absence of which, please wear white or green shirts. You may also choose to have a special shirt printed containing the Walk for Freedom design/template which can be viewed/downloaded HERE and HERE; the LOGO may be downloaded HERE. You may also reply to this e-mail to request for a High Resolution Copy.

• Banners

Please bring at least (2) organizational banners, one will be used for the walk and the other will be mounted around the stage area to show representation. Please use the Walk for Freedom template/design downloadable HERE. You may also reply to this e-mail to request for a High Resolution Copy. The size is 3ft. x 5ft.

• Food and Water

The organizers will be providing light snacks for all participants. Please make sure that you are able to attend the Partners’ Meeting on July 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Quezon City Hall to obtain the meal stubs for your delegation; at this time, please ensure that you have an estimate number of delegates. Water will also be handed out for free at a Water Station set-up at the venue.

• Drop Off Points and Parking

A portion of the road along Commonwealth Avenue (Philcoa Area) is designated as Drop-off point for all participants. After alighting, participants must proceed to the Underpass connected to the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) located at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and the Elliptical Road.

Similarly, the Quezon City Hall is designated as Drop-off point. After alighting, participants must proceed to the Underpass connecting the City Hall to QMC. Vehicles dropping off participants may park at the Quezon City Hall Parking Area.

Upon exiting the Underpass, participants must immediately proceed to the Assembly Area located at the first two inner lanes of the Elliptical Road between Commonwealth Avenue and East Avenue. Posters will be placed on the fence of QMC at the Assembly Area indicating positions of delegations in the march. Should you arrive late and could not anymore locate your spot, please proceed to the end of the queue. Please see Location Map and Assembly Map below.

• Booths and Exhibit

Organizations participating at the Walk may showcase their programs and services, advocacy and education materials at the venue on the day of the event. Tents are provided for booth set-up. Organizations who want to be an exhibitor should contact the Visayan Forum at (02) 709-0711 to secure a space, please look for Ari. The exhibit is free of charge. Exhibitors must provide their own tables.

• Communications and Advocacy

The Walk hopes to generate impactful mainstream and social media impression. To achieve that, social media related gimmicks are worked into the program. During the walk, groufie/selfie stations are set-up and participants are asked to participate actively.

All Walk participants are then encouraged to bring gadgets that can be used for taking photos and immediate uploading to social media accounts.

The following hashtags are to be used to this end:

#WDAT2015

#iFIGHTHumanTrafficking

#LabandKontraTrafficking

Use of the hashtags can begin on July 24 to drum up hype for the event, and will be sustained afterwards when talking about fighting human trafficking.

• The Walk For Freedom Facebook Page, and Website Announcement

Please JOIN and SHARE the Page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/iwillwalkforfreedom

All participating organizations are also requested to announce the Walk For Freedom Event and Page on their websites. The imagery (official logo and banner) and activity description is available for downloading at www.visayanforum.org

• Contingency for Rain

Please bring umbrellas and raincoats.

• Security Protocol

Security will be provided by the Quezon City Police District. The Police must be immediately approached the very instant a disorder or any form of security breach manifests. You may also approach any Visayan Forum staff.

Each organization shall be primarily responsible for the safety and security, as well as for disciplining their own ranks.

Participants must remain calm at all times and refrain from instigating chaos or performing any act that may disrupt the peace, order, and celebratory mood.

Organizations are expected to formulate their own security protocol. You are encouraged to design your own security marker (colored bandanas, organizational shirts, etc.).

• Secretariat Support

Should you have queries or concerns, please feel free to contact the secretariat, Visayan Forum at (02) 709 – 0711 local 107, mobile number 0917-546-7160 or through e-mail address [email protected] or communications.visayanforum.com.

According to its program description, Assignment Asia “is driven by strong characters, who through their personal stories, we (Assignment Asia) uncover social issues that affect a wider population.” Indeed, the documentary unveiled stark realities, strong perspectives, emergent threats, and innovative solutions to the problem. In an interview with Cecilia Oebanda and several other personalities, it showed how the exploitation of children is driven not just by economic vulnerabilities but also by a deterioration of family values and relationships.

After more than a year of investigative work, international journalist Barnaby Lo, presents this strong piece that elevates the discussion on human trafficking for online child sexual exploitation.

Watch the documentary here:

After a successful first run of the Regional Trafficking Prevention Workshop for civil society organizations and government agencies with community-based programs, VFFI and IACAT will hold the second workshop in a 3-leg series on July 15 – 17, 2015.

Despite intensified government and CSO efforts to combat human trafficking in the Philippines, new cases and faces of human trafficking are on the rise. Some new forms of exploitation include but are not limited to cybersex, sex-tourism, tourist-worker scheme and forced labor such as abusive domestic work, pa-aling (deep sea compressor/bubble fishing) and the like.

Sex trafficking in bars and brothels as an organized underground crime remains pervasive. Prostitution has evolved because of the Internet. Cybersex operators profit up to $20-billion every year. There have been actual cases of parents selling their children, as husbands pimping their wives through online live streaming. However, there is limited data to analyze the impacts of these new forms of exploitation and how to best proceed with cases filed.

In this context, prevention is more than ever most important in the fight against trafficking.

The Visayan Forum (VF) has incubated strategic community-based programs that build communities and empower families to be resilient human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The Bantay Komunidad (BK) or Community Watch Network is a mechanism that equips and empowers parents with knowledge and skills on child protection, eliminating violence at home, and preventing human trafficking and exploitation.

Hand in hand with local government officials from the barangays, the Bantay Komunidad has created a network of leaders who detect, report and monitor cases of abuse and exploitation, and trafficking and modern slavery happening within the community, in order to build a is safer place for women and children.

In this light, VF envisions to inspire its partners to build a replicate such community watch mechanisms in their own project areas. By training community leaders towards forming dynamic and self-initating community watch-networks, they will be able to drive the impetus for generating collective actions within and among communities and local stakeholders. In the long run, such efforts will impact to a wider and more cohesive action among various sectors of society, including grassroots, to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.

Objectives of the Workshop:

A two-day trainors training will be conducted in Manila on June 3 to 5 involving representatives from different LGUs, NGOs and MFI groups from Luzon to achieve the following aims:

1. Deepen awareness on new trends on human trafficking and underlying cultural beliefs using a practical training approach which can be replicated in community seminars;

2. To share VF’s theory of change in developing communities that are resilient to human trafficking (Ventures for Freedom);

3. To share good practices in addressing root causes of preventing human trafficking cases;

4. To identify local opportunities and approaches in engaging community leaders in participatory governance;

5. To start a practical coversation in bridging communities to economic opportunities provided by financial institutions;

6. To agree on practical next steps that strengthen a regional network of community – watch groups and build an inter-regional referral pathways for community–based prevention watchdogs

Based on data from over 11,500 potential trafficking victims served in Visayan Forum’s shelters and safe house from 2000-2011:

• Women and girls remain most vulnerable to human trafficking but men and boys are also significantly threatened (almost 30%).
• Young people are especially vulnerable.
• A significant number of victims have some degree of formal education (high school or college), which suggests that traffickers target a broad base of people.

Check out the analysis here: VFFI Data Analysis

Many thanks to Ravi Dutta who conducted the data analysis. Ravi has a Master of Business Economics degree from Monash University. Having worked for the Australian public sector and as a consultant and researcher in the development sector, Ravi now works for a private consulting company in Sydney.

Ravi Dutta, VFFI Consultant

Despite intensified government and CSO efforts to combat human trafficking in the Philippines, new cases and faces of human trafficking are on the rise. Some new forms of exploitation include but are not limited to cybersex, sex-tourism, tourist-worker scheme and forced labor such as abusive domestic work, pa-aling (deep sea compressor/bubble fishing) and the like.

Sex trafficking in bars and brothels as an organized underground crime remains pervasive. Prostitution has evolved because of the Internet. Cybersex operators profit up to $20-billion every year. There have been actual cases of parents selling their children, as husbands pimping their wives through online live streaming. However, there is limited data to analyze the impacts of these new forms of exploitation and how to best proceed with cases filed.

In this context, prevention is more than ever most important in the fight against trafficking.

The Visayan Forum (VF) has incubated strategic community-based programs that build communities and empower families to be resilient human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The Bantay Komunidad (BK) or Community Watch Network is a mechanism that equips and empowers parents with knowledge and skills on child protection, eliminating violence at home, and preventing human trafficking and exploitation.

Hand in hand with local government officials from the barangays, the Bantay Komunidad has created a network of leaders who detect, report and monitor cases of abuse and exploitation, and trafficking and modern slavery happening within the community, in order to build a is safer place for women and children.

In this light, VF envisions to inspire its partners to build a replicate such community watch mechanisms in their own project areas. By training community leaders towards forming dynamic and self-initating community watch-networks, they will be able to drive the impetus for generating collective actions within and among communities and local stakeholders. In the long run, such efforts will impact to a wider and more cohesive action among various sectors of society, including grassroots, to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.

Objectives of the Workshop:

A two-day trainors training will be conducted in Manila on June 3 to 5 involving representatives from different LGUs, NGOs and MFI groups from Luzon to achieve the following aims:

1. Deepen awareness on new trends on human trafficking and underlying cultural beliefs using a practical training approach which can be replicated in community seminars;

2. To share VF’s theory of change in developing communities that are resilient to human trafficking (Ventures for Freedom);

3. To share good practices in addressing root causes of preventing human trafficking cases;

4. To identify local opportunities and approaches in engaging community leaders in participatory governance;

5. To start a practical coversation in bridging communities to economic opportunities provided by financial institutions;

6. To agree on practical next steps that strengthen a regional network of community – watch groups and build an inter-regional referral pathways for community–based prevention watchdogs