MANILA, Philippines — After retaining a Tier 1 ranking in the US State Department 2021 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra vowed the department will not be complacent in its work and will improve its anti-trafficking response. In its 2021 TIP report, the US State Department said the Philippine government met the minimum standards in the elimination of trafficking despite the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year. But it also noted the lack of conviction of officials complicit in continued trafficking and vigorous investigation into labor trafficking crimes in the country. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra noted the efforts of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, which his department also leads. The DOJ chief noted that while the country kept its Tier 1 ranking — for the sixth consecutive year — the government should not be complacent in its efforts.

Source: Philippine Star July 02, 2021 07:41 UTC