TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list has urged stronger regional collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to combat human trafficking, following the repatriation of 187 Filipino victims from Myanmar.
Rep. Jude Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, lauded the Philippine government’s swift response, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), with support from Thailand and Myanmar.
“This underscores the urgent need to address human trafficking in the region. While we welcome the return of our compatriots, 62 Filipinos remain trapped in Myanmar, highlighting the ongoing dangers,” he said.
Acidre called for enhanced law enforcement coordination, stronger preventive measures, and increased public awareness to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Tingog party-list, co-represented by Rep. Yedda Romualdez, also pushed for greater ASEAN cooperation to ensure perpetrators face justice.
“As advocates for overseas Filipinos, we remain committed to policies that safeguard their rights and welfare,” Acidre added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
