The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in collaboration with the Office of the City Prosecutor and Liga ng mga Barangay of Tagbilaran City, spearheaded the Barangay IACAT program and conducted a series of awareness raising activities against human trafficking in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last 22-24 March 2025. The program is a three-day series of engagements with local communities to reinforce grassroots efforts in combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
Following the success of the Barangay IACAT program in Antipolo City, Iligan City, and Baguio City, the program aims to raise awareness about human trafficking in and build key partnerships with local stakeholders of Tagbilaran City and the province of Bohol.
The event commenced with a courtesy call on Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap. Inspired by Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, the event was attended by DOJ officials including Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz and City Prosecutor Adolfo Doroy as well as Tagbilaran City ABC President Alberto Puagang. The meeting served as a platform for introducing the grassroots efforts of the IACAT in combatting different forms of human trafficking. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the IACAT and the City Government of Tagbilaran to enhance local anti-trafficking initiatives.
In line with the IACAT’s whole-of-nation strategy against human trafficking, the Barangay IACAT team reached out to the religious sector through a courtesy call with Bishop Alberto Sy Uy. The program underscores the crucial role of all sectors of society like faith-based organizations in spreading awareness about TIP and OSAEC.
On the second day, a multi-sectoral forum and leaders engagement was conducted revolving on community-based interventions against human trafficking, particularly online exploitation of children. Participants included Philippine National Police Chief PLTCOL John Karen Escober, City Social Welfare And Development Department (CSWD) 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 of Brgy. Dao.
Posing a call-to-action and amplifying the message of caring vigilance, Asec. Lapuz addressed the officers and personnel of the Tagbilaran City Government during their flag ceremony reiterating the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in addressing OSAEC and TIP. She emphasized that the Barangay IACAT serves as a critical link in this collective effort so that national policies and programs are effectively implemented at the local level. The City personnel were encouraged to integrate anti-trafficking efforts into their respective offices and programs to foster a more coordinated response to trafficking cases. This was followed by the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon” Motorcade to reinforce the message that ending trafficking requires the collective effort of government agencies, civil society, and the general public.
The Barangay IACAT program in Tagbilaran City concluded with a radio guesting at DYTR Bohol to engage in an in-depth discussion with hosts Ardy Ines Araneta, Gloria Araneta, and Ronnie Orillosa. The segment tackled the status and updates on OSAEC and TIP in the Philippines and the critical role of local communities in the fight against human trafficking. Asec Michelle Anne Lapuz emphasized the intention and mission of the Barangay IACAT program: “We want to resurface and highlight the good core values of the Filipinos, the values that Tagbilaran City likewise hold – Family, Faith and Friendship,” she ended.
Nagaawhag ang IACAT sa tanang Boholano nga magpabiling ug mabinantayon, i-report ang mga gidudahang insidente ngadto sa IACAT #1343 Actionline ug suportahan ang mga paningkamot sa pagpanalipod sa mga huyang nga indibidwal sa ilang mga komunidad.
Unta kitang tanan, magkahiusa ug tapuson nato ang human trafficking.
PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ACTIVITIES HERE IN TAGBILARAN CITY