The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), led by the Department of Justice in partnership with the Office of the City Prosecutor and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Tagbilaran City, launched the Barangay IACAT program with a series of anti-human trafficking awareness activities in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, from March 22-24, 2025.
The three-day activity engaged local communities to strengthen grassroots efforts against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), building on the program’s prior successes in Antipolo City, Iligan City, and Baguio City.
The event kicked off with a courtesy call to Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, attended by DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz, City Prosecutor Adolfo Doroy, and Tagbilaran City ABC President Alberto Puagang. Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration between IACAT and the city government to bolster local anti-trafficking measures.
Extending its whole-of-nation approach, the Barangay IACAT team also met with Bishop Alberto Sy Uy to involve the religious sector, emphasizing the vital role of faith-based organizations in raising awareness about TIP and OSAEC.
On March 23, a multi-sectoral forum and leadership engagement focused on community-based strategies to combat human trafficking, particularly online child exploitation.
Participants included Philippine National Police Chief PLTCOL John Karen Escober, City Social Welfare and Development Department Head Lucille Clarin, Tagbilaran City Peoples Council President Marietta Gasatan, Liga ng mga Barangay ABC President Alberto Puagang, Sangguniang Kabataan Federated President Marcel Mae Adiong, punong barangays from 14 barangays, barangay health workers, and women’s associations from Barangay Dao.
During the city government’s flag ceremony, Assistant Secretary Lapuz urged Tagbilaran City personnel to adopt a vigilant stance and integrate anti-trafficking efforts into their programs.
She cited the Barangay IACAT’s role in bridging national policies with local action.
The ceremony was followed by the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon” motorcade, reinforcing the need for collective action from government, civil society, and the public to end trafficking.
The program wrapped up on March 24 with a radio appearance on DYTR Bohol, where Lapuz joined hosts Ardy Ines Araneta, Gloria Araneta, and Ronnie Orillosa to discuss the state of OSAEC and TIP in the Philippines.
Lapuz stressed the Barangay IACAT’s mission, stating, “We want to resurface and highlight the good core values of the Filipinos, the values that Tagbilaran City likewise hold — Family, Faith, and Friendship.”
IACAT called on Boholanos to remain vigilant, report suspected incidents to the IACAT #1343 Actionline, and support efforts to protect vulnerable community members.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty spearhead efforts in the fight against human trafficking as key figures in the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Remulla, serving as IACAT chairperson, oversees operations to protect victims and prosecute traffickers, while Ty, the undersecretary-in-charge, builds strategic alliances and advances legal frameworks to tackle emerging trafficking threats. Their collaboration strengthens the country’s campaign against exploitation.