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DOLE to intensify drive vs illegal recruitment


MANILA, Philippines - The Labor department has created a task force to strengthen its drive against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. The move has been undertaken in the wake of a non-government organization's report citing an increase in human trafficking cases. Labor secretary Marianito Roque said his department will vigorously continue to exert more effort in curbing such illegal activities victimizing unsuspecting Filipinos who want to work abroad. Roque made the assurance in his capacity as labor secretary and chairman of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Board. He said the government has consolidated all its resources and focal agencies into one task force that would directly address the problem of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Executive Order 548-A strengthened task force against illegal recruitment under the supervision of the Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO), Roque said. He clarified, however, that the CFO shall be in charged of the task force against human trafficking (TFHT) as provided for by EO 548-A. EO 548-A, he stressed, redefined in clearer terms the functions of POEA and CFO in the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. "This shall enable the POEA in coordination with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure greater focus in fighting illegal recruiters down to the local level," he said. Roque said the executive order underscored the ongoing campaign of POEA to involve local government units (LGUs) in the fight against illegal recruiters. He said the agency has forged agreements with LGUs in Metro Manila late last year, particularly with the city governments of Taguig, Valenzuela, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Quezon City. Roque said POEA is set to forge similar agreements with other LGUs in Metro Manila and other regions this year in line with Executive Order No. 548-A and RA 8042. Pursuant to the law, POEA shall continue to adopt policies and procedures and implement programs towards the eradication of illegal recruitment. The agency shall also coordinate with the TFHT, along with other government agencies and the CFO which serves as task force chair. As TFHT chair, the CFO shall recommend to the inter-agency council against trafficking (IACAT) policies, programs, and services aimed at eliminating trafficking in persons. IACAT is the primary body tasked to coordinate, monitor, and oversee the implementation of programs against trafficking in persons as provided for by RA No. 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. "We always believe that the best way to prevent or minimize illegal recruitment or human trafficking is for would be overseas workers to check and verify first with the authorities, particularly with POEA, any offer of overseas job by individuals or entities engaged in overseas employment before dealing with them," Roque said. He added that among the safety nets and measures established by the DOLE to mitigate if not totally eradicate or prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking is the conduct of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars, the establishment of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in cities and municipalities nationwide which assist workers for their local or overseas employment; and linkages with various agencies of government charged with migration and travel. Overseas, he said the 34 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the DOLE established worldwide help trace, shelter, assist and repatriate victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. - GMANews.TV
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