CBCP calls for vigilance vs human trafficking in PH

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for added awareness on human trafficking in the country, saying that it remains a “serious and persistent concern” that needs to be confronted by every single Filipino.

In a statement on Sunday, the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) of the CBCP said it will observe a National Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on Feb. 1 as a “call to the conscience of the entire nation.”

The group urged not just the Church, but the government, civil society, institutions, families, as well as every citizen to “confront together a grave injustice that continues to violate human dignity.”

“Our country continues to be affected by various forms of exploitation, including illegal recruitment, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and the growing threat of online abuse, particularly involving children,” ECMI said.

READ: Most Filipino trafficking victims end up in 4 Southeast Asian countries

It noted that many Filipinos are being deceived by false promises of employment both within the country and abroad, caused by poverty, displacement, lack of access to education, armed conflict, natural disasters, and the misuse of digital platforms.

Among the most vulnerable to the deception are women, children, migrants, and families in marginalized communities.

“These realities are not isolated incidents. They reflect deeper social conditions that demand urgent and sustained response,” said the group.

ECMI said that responding to human trafficking, which “wounds families, communities and the moral foundation of our nation,” has been central to its pastoral mission.

“We are called to listen to the cry of the poor, protect the vulnerable, and challenge structures that allow exploitation to persist. Human trafficking is not merely a social issue; it is a profound moral concern that calls for conversion of hearts and transformation of systems,” it said.

READ: BI foils trafficking attempt of 2 women posing as Congress employees

However, the group also stressed that the fight cannot be carried by the Church alone, as “the responsibility to prevent trafficking, protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable rests primarily on the State,” with laws and public policies playing a crucial role in protecting citizens.

For ECMI, the national day of prayer is a “shared national call” that invites cooperation between the government and the Church, “encouraging dialogue, accountability and coordinated action for the common good.”

As part of its calls to action, the ECMI urged the government to strengthen its enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, enhance inter-agency coordination, ensure the regulation of recruitment systems and protect victims, while addressing the root causes of trafficking, including poverty, inequality and lack of decent employment.

“The protection of human dignity must remain at the center of public policy and governance,” the group said.

READ: BI repatriates 9 Filipino trafficking victims from Malaysia

It also called for parishes to become “spaces of vigilance, education and protection” against human trafficking by integrating awareness of the topic into their catechesis, with religious communities also urged to promote safe migration education and strengthen watchfulness.

The Catholic faithful, meanwhile, are urged to remain informed and be vigilant of deceptive recruitment practices, while also being compassionate toward victims and survivors by giving them support without judgement of stigma. /cb