PHILIPPINES/TIP: INTERIM ASSESSMENT REPORT

UNCLAS MANILA 000009

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

EAP FOR PMBS, G/TIP, INR/EAP, EAP/RSP, DRL/IL, DRL/CRA
STATE ALSO FOR AID
LABOR FOR ILAB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM ELAB KWMN KCRM SMIG RP JA
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES/TIP: INTERIM ASSESSMENT REPORT
PROVIDED TO GRP

REF: A. A. 04 STATE 274813

B. B. 04 MANILA 6074

C. C. 04 STATE 270484

D. D. 04 TOKYO 7437

E. E. 04 MANILA 5428

F. F. 04 MANILA 4432

G. G. 04 MANILA 4072


1. (SBU) Dep Pol/C and poloff reviewed the Trafficking in
Persons (TIP) Interim Assessment Report (ref a) for the
Philippines in a meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs'
(DFA) Americas Division Director Marc De Borja on January 3.
Dep Pol/C noted that the report had flagged areas of
progress, including the GRP's successful efforts to promote
awareness of the new anti-trafficking law through varied
training initiatives and information seminars. However, the
GRP had to make more progress in addressing
trafficking-related official corruption, as well as move
forward with prosecutions and convictions in TIP cases. De
Borja promised to share the report with other GRP offices
involved in combating TIP.


2. (SBU) Dep Pol/C reiterated U.S. support for GOJ efforts
to tighten the screening process for visas to Filipino
entertainers (refs B and C). Many of those who receive such
visas end up as victims of trafficking, and this must be
stopped, he emphasized, while encouraging the GRP to welcome
the GOJ's new "Action Plan" in this area and not try to
prevent the plan's implementation. De Borja acknowledged
that many Filipino female "entertainers" in Japan ended up as
trafficking victims. Despite concerns about reduced
employment opportunities for Filipinos in Japan, De Borja
expressed confidence that the GRP would find a workable
solution that would prevent trafficking, while allowing
legitimate Filipino performers to continue working in Japan.
Ricciardone