The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) has reported an increase in cases of trafficking in persons monitored at transport hubs, including seaports, since 2023, but said the rise is not yet considered alarming, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

In an ambush interview with media in Parañaque City, IACAT Executive Director Hannah Lizette Manalili said that while reports have gone up over the past two years, the numbers remain lower compared to cases involving online sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

Manalili noted that a growing concern linked to trafficking is irregular migration, or the crossing of international borders without proper authorization. She explained that the country’s geography, composed of numerous islands, makes it vulnerable to being used as entry and exit points despite intensified monitoring by local authorities.

According to the official, most victims of human trafficking are women and young individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Manalili assured the public that IACAT remains vigilant and continues to act on all reports it receives in order to combat all forms of human trafficking.

“Since 2023 sinimulan namin ‘yong aming pagsusuri sa mga irregular migration corridors. We’re having the third and final leg of our study this year looking into the irregular migration corridors,” Manalili said.

“With the purpose na para masuri natin ano ba ‘yong mga kailangang aksyon na gawin para masugpo natin ‘yong human trafficking na gumagamit ng irregular migration,” the IACAT official added.

She added that the ongoing study aims to identify critical irregular migration corridors and determine targeted interventions to prevent traffickers from exploiting these routes.