Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on other countries to participate in the joint efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations of holding dialogues to discuss the fight against human trafficking.
In his speech before the 8th Manila International Dialogue on Human Trafficking held last December 13, Remulla expressed thanks to the governments of the United States, Australia, Britain and The Netherlands for supporting the dialogues over the years.
Remulla also said the government of Finland, through its ambassador, signed the declaration for cooperation to combat human trafficking.
“It is our fervent hope that more countries become a part of the declaration and more missions in the Philippines become involved in the technical working group,” the DOJ chief said.
In the Philippines, the fight against human trafficking is spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), chaired by Remulla.
“Southeast Asian nations and the greater international community stand to benefit from a regionally connected group of national oversight committees in continuing conversations on counter-trafficking,” Remulla said.
“If we, national mandate holders, can work together the way the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Thai Police, and the Philippine National Police proactively, harmoniously and efficiently work together through available channels both formal and informal, I am confident that we can make progress and put an end to human trafficking,” the Justice Secretary pointed out.
