Through the Blue Heart Campaign, an initiative by the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, January is observed as “Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”
The campaign seeks to combat human trafficking by raising awareness of the issue and to build political support to fight those committing such crimes. According to the campaign’s website: “The Blue Heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings.”
The Philippines is listed as one of over 30 countries to pledge support for the movement.
Last year, following a spate of arrests regarding human trafficking and illegal recruitment, the Bureau of Immigration published a statement advising the public to avoid applying for supposed job opportunities posted on social media.
“We reiterate our warning to our kababayan that they should avoid transacting with strangers online offering high paying jobs in foreign lands without the benefit of protection from [the] government,” said Commissioner Jaime Morente. “You will only be putting yourselves in harm’s way.”
“Do not deal with unlicensed recruiters as they cannot guarantee your safety, good working conditions, and salaries according to industry standards,” the bureau chief added. “Chances are you will be intercepted at our ports if you avail the services of fraudsters and illegal recruiters.”/WDJ