THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) sought an end to human trafficking during the observance of National Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (NDPAHT) on Feb. 1, describing the act as a “denial of dignity.”
In a statement, CBCP’s Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) said human trafficking is not an isolated incident and requires an “urgent and sustained response.” “Human trafficking remains a serious and persistent concern in the Philippines. Our country continues to be affected by various forms of exploitation, including illegal recruitment, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and the growing threat of online abuse, particularly involving children,” Bishop Socrates Mesiona, ECMI chairman, said.
Mesiona warned that trafficking often begins with deceptive recruitment and exploitation of desperation, shattering not only individual lives but also familial and social peace.
“At the heart of human trafficking is the denial of dignity. When a person is deceived, sold, exploited, or abused, peace is shattered — not only in the life of the victim but also in the conscience of society,” Mesiona said.
CBCP’s ECMI emphasized that addressing human trafficking is a shared responsibility between the church and the state. It urged lawmakers to impose stronger safeguarding mechanisms to protect Filipinos from exploitation. “The fight against human trafficking cannot be carried out by the Church alone. While the Church accompanies victims, raises awareness, and advocates for dignity, the responsibility to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable rests primarily with the State. Laws, institutions, and public policies play a crucial role in safeguarding human life,” Mesiona added.
The ECMI required dioceses across the country to organize initiatives such as forums, youth formation programs, and family-centered awareness campaigns to educate the faithful about trafficking risks, especially on digital platforms.
The establishment of Diocesan Committees Against Human Trafficking was also encouraged to ensure coordinated efforts in prevention, victim support, and advocacy.
“Dignity is upheld when Church, State, and society walk together in solidarity—when faith communities offer compassion, institutions uphold justice, and citizens choose vigilance over indifference. Only through shared commitment can the structures that allow trafficking to persist be transformed,” Mesiona said.
