Philippines vows to intensify drive vs traffickers

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has pledged to intensify its battle against human trafficking and welcomed a US State Department report crediting its recent efforts to combat the problem.

The country has been upgraded to Tier 2 in the annual US Trafficking in Persons report, indicating it does not fully comply with minimum standards to eliminate trafficking but is making progress.

Foreign Affairs ecretary Albert del Rosario said Tuesday the Philippines is committed to ensuring that Filipino workers overseas are given full protection and to strengthening its efforts against human traffickers.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda also welcomed Monday’s report, which noted a rise in convictions of offenders to 25 from nine the previous year.