PH signs pact with nonprofit to aid Filipino victims of human trafficking in US

Polaris operates the US National Human Trafficking Hotline, which connects victims and survivors to support and services. From left, Polaris representatives Laurel Downie, Mirella Beltram and Christopher Bridges, and Migrants Workers Office staff Marie Josephine Borromeo, Freya Palad and Jo Mari Rifareal. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, on behalf of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), has signed a Memorandum of Collaborative Agreement with Polaris to assist Filipino victims of human trafficking in the United States.

Polaris Chief Executive Officer Catherine Chan signed the agreement on behalf of the organization, which leads a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking.

“The Philippine Embassy will not waver in extending protection to overseas Filipinos, which is one of the pillars of foreign policy. We truly appreciate the support of Polaris in pursuing our mandate,” Romualdez said.

Since 2007, Polaris has operated the US National Human Trafficking Hotline, which connects victims and survivors to support and services and helps communities hold traffickers accountable.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the agreement “reflects our continuing efforts to expand our network of partners to prevent human trafficking and provide necessary assistance to victims.”

Cacdac said Polaris is a well-established organization with a wide network of service providers within and outside the US.

“Our partnership will help us identify potential victims of human trafficking among Filipinos entering the US and provide them with immediate legal, shelter and other assistance,” he said.

Cacdac credited the late DMW Secretary Maria Susana Ople for laying the groundwork for this initiative.

“She had known Polaris for a long time having been an anti-human trafficking advocate who devoted her life to the cause of ending modern slavery. This is her legacy,” Cacdac said.

The agreement outlines the various services that the DMW – through the Migrant Workers Office in Washington, D.C. – and Polaris can provide to the Filipino victims of human trafficking.

The services include repatriation, legal and accommodation assistance, as well as case evaluation and referral to US law enforcement agencies.

Polaris is also prepared to provide training to Philippine Embassy and MWO personnel on assisting human trafficking victims.