PHILIPPINES — The Department of Migrant Workers welcomed the release of the US State Department's 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which affirmed the Philippines' Tier 1 ranking for the 11th consecutive year. Tier 1 is awarded to countries whose governments fully meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking.
A Decade of Sustained Commitment
The ranking marks the fourth consecutive year the Philippines has maintained Tier 1 status under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. This sustained recognition reflects years of coordinated effort across government agencies, law enforcement, and civil society partners working to combat trafficking in all its forms.
According to the report, the government assisted 1,546 identified trafficking victims in 2025, a significant increase from 816 in 2024. This nearly doubled figure demonstrates improved victim identification and rescue operations. It also signals that more survivors are receiving the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Structural Milestones Strengthen the Fight
The report cited key structural milestones achieved by the Philippines. These include adopting a nationwide mandatory victim identification system and enhancing the National Referral Mechanism. A centralized interagency trafficking database was also created to improve coordination and data sharing.
The October 2025 nationwide ban on offshore gaming operations represented a major step against trafficking linked to online scam hubs. Law enforcement bodies investigated 447 trafficking and online child sexual exploitation cases. They prosecuted 366 alleged traffickers and secured 103 convictions, sending a strong message that exploitation will not be tolerated.
Repatriation and Comprehensive Survivor Support
Working alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs, the DMW helped repatriate at least 1,606 identified victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking. Many were rescued from forced labor in scam compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Their return to the Philippines marked the beginning of a long journey toward recovery.
Returning survivors received comprehensive DMW AKSYON Fund assistance. This includes medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, financial assistance, and emergency shelter. The holistic approach recognizes that healing requires more than just physical rescue. It demands sustained care for mental, emotional, and economic well-being.
Challenges That Demand Continued Action
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac described the Tier 1 recognition as a challenge to intensify efforts further. He emphasized that the ranking does not signal the work is complete. The report identified critical areas requiring stronger action across government.
These include reversing the decline in trafficking convictions and building digital forensics capacity to combat online syndicates. Screening foreign victims in scam compounds and bolstering protections for Filipino seafarers and commercial fishers also demand attention. These sectors remain vulnerable to labor trafficking due to the nature of their work.
Translating Findings into Action
Cacdac outlined concrete steps the DMW will take in response to the report. The agency will intensify monitoring of deceptive online recruitment and strengthen evidence gathering for criminal prosecutions. Strict adherence to the non-punishment principle for victims will be enforced.
The DMW will also expand nationwide information drives, including across social media. These campaigns aim to help overseas Filipino workers recognize recruitment scams and report suspected traffickers. By empowering workers with knowledge, the government hopes to prevent more Filipinos from falling prey to exploitation.
