Task Force on Women and Children and Against Trafficking in Persons - OSAEC

09/09/2026

Anti-Child Online Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Task Forces (ACETTF), Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), and Social Workers' Summit

19/08/2026

READ | Dismantling a Scam Hub: On a Crusade Against Human Trafficking

The dismantling of a major trafficking-linked scam operation in the Philippines highlights the growing convergence of human trafficking, forced criminality, and cyber-enabled crimes.

Led by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas, the operation resulted in the rescue of more than 700 victims and the conviction of eight perpetrators, underscoring the importance of coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts in pursuing trafficking networks.

The case further demonstrates the need for sustained national and international cooperation to protect victim-survivors, strengthen accountability, and combat emerging forms of human trafficking.

READ the full feature to learn more about the case and the continuing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2026/July/dismantling-a-scam-hub_-on-a-crusade-against-human-trafficking.html

Dismantling a scam hub: On a crusade against human trafficking

18/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE | DOJ Secures Life Sentence for Large Scale Qualified Trafficking in Manila

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured the conviction of Almira Arrojo y Buzeta, alias “Joan” for large-scale Qualified Trafficking in Persons, sentencing her to life imprisonment and a ₱2-million fine.

In a Decision dated 5 July 2026, Presiding Judge Ma. Lourdes V. Barrios-Sapalo found Arrojo guilty of recruiting and offering three women for sexual services in exchange for money. The offense constituted large-scale trafficking in persons under Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended, as it involved three or more victims.

The case stemmed from verified information regarding Arrojo’s alleged trafficking activities, which prompted police authorities to conduct surveillance and a buy-bust operation at a hotel in Malate, Manila.

During the operation, police operatives posed as customers, leading to Arrojo’s arrest after she received marked money in exchange for the sexual services of the women.

The court found that the prosecution established all elements of qualified trafficking in persons beyond reasonable doubt through testimonial and documentary evidence, including body-worn camera footage, marked-money and forensic ultraviolet examination results.

The DOJ commends the Task Force on Women and Children and Trafficking in Persons headed by Deputy State Prosecutor (DSP) Olivia Torrevillas, and recognizes Assistant State Prosecutor (ASP) Ruth Anne P. Zamora for her diligent and effective handling of the case.

“This conviction underscores the effectiveness of coordination between law enforcement and prosecution, from surveillance and rescue operations to case build-up, ultimately bringing human traffickers to justice,” Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida emphasized.

02/06/2026

Happy Birthday, SOJ Vida!

Your dedication to public service and leadership have advanced meaningful reforms and strengthened our justice system.

May you be blessed with good health, continued strength, and wisdom as you lead and serve. From your DOJ family, we wish you a joyful birthday and a fulfilling year ahead.

01/05/2026

27/03/2026

In celebration of National Women’s Month, IACAT pays tribute to extraordinary anti-trafficking advocates whose unwavering commitment continues to transform the lives and restore dignity to countless women.

A 2025 Break All Chains Awardee, Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas has earned distinction for her tireless work in protecting vulnerable communities from trafficking. For the past three years, as the head of the Department of Justice Task Force on Women and Children Against Trafficking in Persons, she has led with the same care, discipline, and deep sense of responsibility that she brings to her own family.

Under her leadership the task force goes beyond enforcing the law. It serves as a steadfast source of strength and support for survivors, walking alongside them as they navigate the challenging journey toward healing, protection, and justice.

20/02/2026

Kung ikaw ay dumanas ng human trafficking, may panahon pa upang makamit ang buhay na puno ng liwanag at pag-asa.

Mayroong tulong pinansyal mula sa Victims Compensation Program upang maging suporta mo para unti-unting makabangon.

ENGLISH
If you experienced human trafficking, there is still time to achieve a life full of hope and light.

There is financial assistance available from the Victims Compensation Program that’s there to support your recovery.

BISAYA
Kung ikaw nakaagi ug human trafficking, aduna pa’y panahon aron makab-ot ang kinabuhi nga puno sa paglaum ug kahayag.

Adunay pinansyal nga tabang gikan sa Victims Compensation Program nga andam motabang kanimo sa imong pagbangon ug pag-ayo.
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Madali at libre lamang ang application process ng aming Victims Compensation Program. Likumin lang ang mga kailangan na dokumento at ipasa sa pinakamalapit na Local Prosecution Office sa inyong lugar.​​

Para sa application form at iba pang detalye, bumisita lamang sa https://www.doj.gov.ph/victims-compensation-program.html
At para naman sa iba pang kaalaman, mag-send lang ng message dito sa aming FB Page o tawagan ang mga sumusunod na hotline: ​​

Tel. No. 8523-8481 to 89 local 344​​ Direct line: 8536-0447​​
Smart: 09206268265​​
Globe: 09458505347​​
Email address: [email protected] / [email protected]

13/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE | Fraudulent Recruitment of Filipinos for Foreign Armed Forces

IACAT warns the public against fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting Filipinos for supposed overseas civilian jobs that actually lead to enlistment in foreign armed forces and deployment to conflict zones, urging vigilance, verification through proper government channels, and reporting of suspicious activities to protect lives and prevent human trafficking.

Individuals who wish to verify information or report suspicious recruitment activities may contact the IACAT Secretariat through email at [email protected] and/or IACAT Operations Center at [email protected] or call 1343 Actionline against Human Trafficking.

09/02/2026

Join us in celebrating the Safer Internet Day (SID) for Children Philippines this coming 10 February 2026!

The SID is a global event celebrated annually to promote safer and more responsible internet use for everyone, with a special focus on over 100 countries, raising awareness about online safety issues. In the Philippines, the SID is officially recognized through Proclamation No. 417, declaring every second Tuesday of February as Safer Internet Day for Filipino Children.

This year’s theme,“Ako, Ikaw, Tayo: Konektado at Protektado Laban sa OSAEC at CSAEM”, emphasizes the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in creating a safer digital space for children.

✨ Let’s come together to promote online safety by encouraging responsible internet use and addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital world for
Filipino children. At the heart of this celebration are the voices of the youth, who play a crucial role in creating a safer, more secure digital environment for all. Their call
to action aims to inspire bayanihan among government actors, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Together, we can make the internet a safer space for everyone!

12/12/2025

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚

Today, December 12, the IACAT joins the nation in commemorating the International Day Against Trafficking (IDAT) in the Philippines, as declared under Proclamation No. 1172 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on November 17, 2006. This date also marks the culmination of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, observed annually from November 25 to December 12.

December 12 is also significant as it commemorates the opening for signature of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Palermo Protocols in 2000—including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

This historic milestone marked the moment when the global community formally committed to combating human trafficking, strengthening international cooperation, and safeguarding victims.

𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴!