The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has partnered with the Airport Press Club (APC) to combat human trafficking.
Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 8 and acknowledged the severe nature of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of responsible and ethical media coverage to address it.
The MOU aims to foster collaboration between the BI and APC members to share information with the public on current trends and modus operandi of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
They agreed to approach stories relating to human trafficking with empathy, sensitivity, and cultural understanding, with the aim of empowering and uplifting victims.
Both parties have pledged to protect the privacy and confidentiality of trafficking victims and refrain from disclosing personal information, in compliance with anti-trafficking laws.
The bureau will work closely with the APC headed by its president Ariel Fernandez to enhance the capacity and knowledge of media professionals through workshops, seminars, and resource development.
Through proactive efforts, the agency aims to inform and warn the public about emerging trends and modus operandi employed by traffickers, empowering individuals to recognize risks and take preventive measures.
Commissioner Tansingco said that the partnership plays a significant role in the fight against trafficking. “Public information is crucial in fighting this crime. The APC and the BI commit to working together to combat this societal illness,” he added.
