spot_img
27.7 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Technology to fight human trafficking

- Advertisement -

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday the developments in technology could also be used to fight human trafficking and neutralize syndicates preying on their victims.

In his speech before the annual Manila International Dialogue Against Human Trafficking, which was held virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus-2019 pandemic, Guevarra said while human trafficking syndicates were now using technology to conceal their operations, it could also be harnessed by authorities to counter their activities.

“As 2020 comes to a close, we are gaining a better understanding of what a global response to trafficking will look like in this decade and beyond,” Guevarra said.

He said the COVID-19 situation had provided an opportunity for the authorities “to have a glimpse of what the future of counter-trafficking means for our country and for the whole world in general.”

“There is a realization and consensus among stakeholders that developments in technology that have spawned new ways of committing trafficking can also be harnessed and utilized to respond to trafficking,” Guevarra said.

- Advertisement -

He said more technology companies were now joining the fight, developing tools and technology solutions to combat trafficking.

While admitting that the pace of human trafficking investigations in general had been dictated by traffickers and syndicates, Guevarra said “the growing network of private-sector engagement in this initiative is highly encouraging.

 “Indeed, the battleground has shifted,” he said.

Guevarra expressed optimism that “technology can facilitate the effective administration of justice.

 “While we note and acknowledge that technological gaps still exist, the criminal justice response to trafficking has slowly adapted and accommodated new possibilities of carrying out its mandate,” he said.

Guevarra said because of the COVID-19 pandemic, “we saw the first virtual promulgation of the conviction of the notorious American pedophile, David Timothy Deakin”, as well as the recent conviction for large-scale trafficking for prostitution that was promulgated via videoconferencing in Cebu.

“In both instances, the accused were sentenced to life imprisonment,” he said.

The Department of Justice has implemented measures that would pave the way for the conduct of “e-inquest” for those arrested without warrants.

“Guidelines for e-inquest have also been issued, providing for the virtual conduct of inquest proceedings using online platforms and without requiring the physical presence of parties,” Guevarra said.

“The Supreme Court has likewise issued a circular allowing the filing of complaints or information via email and the posting of bail through electronic means.”

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles