The Philippines Ranked 98 on Global Slavery Index

The Philippines was listed as 98 on the Global Slavery index, which measures the amount of modern-day slavery in a country.  The Walk Free Foundation (WFF) compiled the index on October 17^th, and makes its determination on a “measure of three factors” which includes the following: prevalence of modern slavery by population, measure of child marriage, and measure of human trafficking in and out of the Philippines.

Out of the population totaling 96 million people, the report estimates showed that between 140,000 to 160,000 people are enslaved in the Philippines with enslavement found in many industries, from the sex industry to agriculture. 

The WFF did note in its report, however, that the Filipino government has been “making notable efforts” to combat modern day slavery of Filipinos both at home and abroad.

Full account available at

http://www.rappler.com/nation/41604-ph-98th-in-global-slavery-index

Human trafficking an American problem, experts say

The average American is for the most part unaware of just how large a problem human trafficking is in the country, experts said at the fifth Texas Human Trafficking summit. Community leaders, law enforcement and social service providers meet at this annual summit in order to raise awareness about fighting human trafficking in North Texas. ““Often people think it’s an international issue, but primarily it’s a much bigger issue here in America,” said Jaime Meyers, managing director of Children at Risk.” Law enforcement have turned to the internet – considered a hotbed of traffickers – in order to catch repeat offenders, like backpage.com The website allows for prostitutes to advertise themselves, many of whom are underage. “Undercover Dallas police officers pose as buyers online to target trafficking sales online. The program, called “Operation Brick and Mortar,” rescued six children from June of last year to August, said Lt. Alfred Diorio of the Dallas Police Department’s High Risk Victims and Trafficking Unit.The unit has made 118 arrests in the past year, many of which resulted in “significant sentencing” for the perpetrator, Diorio said.” Along with these efforts, the Letot Girls’ Residential Treatment Center will open next year to provide shelter for girls who may become victimized by traffickers. It is hoped that this will be one of the tools to combat human trafficking, said R. Keith Atwood of the Dallas County Juvenile Department.

Full account available at

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2013/10/human-trafficking-an-american-problem-experts-say-at-forum-wednesday.html/

British Columbia Man to spend 3 months or more in Prison in Filipino Nanny Trafficking Case

A British Columbia man, Franco Orr, could face up to 18 months or more in prison for lying to immigration officials.   Orr attempted to bring his children’s nanny, a Filipino woman, from Hong Kong to Canada through false promises, and in the process also lied to British Columbia immigration officers.  Despite having a clean record and being a productive member of society, Orr was told that he must spend time in prison in order to deter others from violating immigration laws in Canada.  Justice Richard Goepel expressed,  “individuals cannot be allowed to disregard immigration laws of this country with impunity.”

Orr was convicted for human trafficking, employing a foreign national, and for lying to immigration officials.  All are counts found under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Full account available at

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/faces+jail+nanny+trafficking+case/9041283/story.html

Three Aussies Charged for Trafficking and Exploitation of Four Filipinos

Three Australians were recently arrested and charged with the trafficking and exploitation of four Filipino nationals. The individuals arrested were two men and a woman, all three from Green Valley. The Filipino nationals were brought into the country on a sporting visa, and were led to believe they were to be in the country to pursue a professional boxing career. Upon arrival in Australia however, they were informed that they “owed a debt for their travel to Australia.” “The four men were then "housed in poor-quality accommodation, provided with sub-standard meals, and forced into unpaid domestic labour." The police also said that the movement of the four Filipinos was also restricted by their captors.” The Australian Federal Police (AFP) immediately began investigation into this case upon being informed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) of the alleged trafficking. The offense of the three Australians carries a maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment.

Full account available at

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/513095/20131011/australia-philippines-australian-federal-police-afp-trafficking.htm - .UmXog5TwKhM

MTV Exit and Dakila Create Awareness of Human Trafficking in Davao and Surrounding Areas

Dakila, a collection of Filipino students, artists, and other individuals dedicated to create awareness and social change in the Philippines, recently teamed up with MTV Exit on an initiative against human trafficking and exploitation in the Philippines.  Entitled the MTV Exit Youth Jam, the initiative included trainings and forums in Davao schools, film screenings at Davao Cinematheque, and a free concert featuring local artists. 

Putting human trafficking in perspective, Dakila president stated last March that, “Not only are we a country with 10 million of our countrymen working abroad and where disasters, armed conflict, and poverty force most of us to find better opportunities and safer living space elsewhere, but also a society where the luster of city life and promise of fast cash continue to attract people from the rural communities. As a result, more people are becoming vulnerable to human trafficking.” 

Full account available at
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/501047/dakila-partners-with-mtv-exit-in-campaign-vs-human-trafficking-in-davao-city#ixzz2h4qQKfqq