US to continue backing drive against trafficking

A security guard walks in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, September 13, 2012. AP/Aaron Favila

MANILA, Philippines—The United States has vowed to continue its long-standing support to the Philippines’ efforts to quell human trafficking even as it sought the prosecution of the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFFI), its top nongovernmental partner for the cause.

In a statement, the US embassy said Friday night it would not waver in backing the country’s campaign against human trafficking and giving assistance to victims.

“The United States remains committed to assisting the Philippines in its efforts to prevent human trafficking, to protect those who fall prey to this modern-day form of slavery and to prosecute those who are found guilty of this heinous act,” embassy spokesperson Tina Malone said.

The embassy issued the statement when reached for comment on its aid agency’s complaint against the nongovernmental organization VFFI.

The National Bureau of Investigation has elevated to the Department of Justice the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) complaint against VFFI over missing grant funds. VFFI is denying the charge.

The embassy confirmed the investigation but did not give further details.

“We are aware that the Philippine Department of Justice has initiated an investigation of the nongovernmental organization VFFI. The US government has in the past provided funding to the VFFI for projects aimed at protecting victims of human trafficking in the Philippines,” Malone said.

“We would refer any further questions regarding the investigation to the Philippine Department of Justice,” she added.

The United States, through its aid agency, has been a staunch supporter of Philippine antitrafficking efforts, supporting the country’s Trafficking Watch Group, which is composed of governmental, nongovernmental and civil society organizations seeking to stop both domestic and international trafficking.