DOJ warns of rising online human trafficking threats

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning about the growing use of online platforms and cross-border operations in human trafficking schemes.

DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, who leads the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), stated the Philippines maintains its Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the 11th year in a row.

Ty emphasized that while the ranking reflects ongoing government efforts, trafficking has not been eradicated. He outlined the government's whole-of-nation strategy against trafficking, noting emerging threats such as cyber-enabled scam hubs and online sexual exploitation of children.

Criminal networks are increasingly using online investment and romance scams to exploit trafficked individuals, with some victims forced to operate fraudulent schemes under threats of violence and abuse.

Ty also raised concerns about online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), where minors are targeted through digital platforms, sometimes from their own homes.

Other schemes include fraudulent surrogacy arrangements targeting vulnerable Filipino women and deceptive marriage arrangements leading to forced domestic servitude abroad.

To combat these threats, the DOJ and IACAT are implementing measures under the National Strategic Action Plan against human trafficking, including a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and enforcement actions against illegal online gambling and scam hubs.

Joint operations involving IACAT, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Immigration have led to arrests and the rescue of trafficking victims.

Specialized support services, such as the IACAT–Tahanan ng Inyong Pag-asa (TIP) Center, have been established to provide counseling, shelter, and rehabilitation for trafficking survivors, especially children.

At the regional level, Ty highlighted cooperation among ASEAN member states to enhance cross-border enforcement, victim referral systems, and monitoring of trafficking routes.