Cablegate: Ambassador and Vice President Reaffirm Usg-Grp

VZCZCXRO8398
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #4053 2680404
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 250404Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3124
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEAWJB/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE

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.

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KENNEY

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