AMBASSADOR AND VICE PRESIDENT REAFFIRM USG-GRP

UNCLAS MANILA 004053 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/RSP, G/TIP, INL/AAE, DRL LABOR FOR ILAB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN PHUM RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND VICE PRESIDENT REAFFIRM USG-GRP PARTNERSHIP AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING REF: A. MANILA 3882 ¶B. MANILA 3574 ¶C. MANILA 2672 ¶D. MANILA 944 ¶E. 05 MANILA 6039 ¶F. 05 MANILA 5710 ¶1. (U) Ambassador delivered a strong anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) message on September 20 at the opening ceremony of the first National Conference Against Human Trafficking in the Philippines. While commending the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and local civil society groups for their anti-TIP efforts, Ambassador called on the conference participants to "double our efforts to bring everyone responsible for this hideous crime against women and children to justice." Vice President Noli De Castro passionately spoke of his and President Arroyo's commitment to improving GRP's anti-TIP initiatives. De Castro noted that the GRP's current efforts are "not good enough." He charged all government agencies to work towards full compliance with international standards and to attain measurable results in combating TIP. ¶2. (U) During the conference, Vice President De Castro pulled Ambassador aside to discuss TIP privately. De Castro told Ambassador his government was pleased that the Philippines had been removed from the Tier 2 Watch List but reiterated that his government had to "do more." He suggested that the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration, the agency charged with oversight of overseas employment opportunities, should expand TIP awareness programs for those workers going overseas who are most at risk, such as young women. Noting the difficulty in prosecuting criminals because victims are reluctant to testify, he requested further USG assistance in training TIP prosecutors. He strongly emphasized the GRP concern for TIP and offered to continue to seek ways to cooperate with USG on the issue. ¶3. (U) The three-day event, organized by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons (IACAT) and sponsored by USAID, the Asia Foundation, and other international donors, attracted a wide audience, including nearly 200 prominent government officials, NGO leaders, and representatives of faith-based organizations from throughout the Philippines. Participants reviewed the progress and obstacles in implementing the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. They also openly shared their TIP experiences, showcased best practices in combating TIP, and identified areas that need better coordination. Highlights included presentations by the lead prosecutors and judges from the December 2005 convictions in Zamboanga City and Quezon City. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: During Vice President De Castro's side meeting with Ambassador, it was immediately apparent that he has an excellent understanding of TIP issues and a thorough knowledge of ongoing GRP efforts, including prosecutions under the Anti-TIP Law. Post will follow up with GRP contacts for additional updates on the status of TIP investigations and prosecutions and will report septel. End Comment. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ KENNEY