ZAMBOANGA CITY — As part of its ongoing efforts to shield job seekers from exploitation, the City Government of Zamboanga, through the Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) and in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-9), spearheaded an Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) Campaign Seminar last April 16 at the Sapphire Ballroom, Grand Astoria Hotel.
The seminar aimed to raise public awareness on the persistent dangers of illegal recruitment and human trafficking — a threat particularly pressing for Zamboanga City, which has long been identified as a critical “backdoor gateway” for human trafficking activities, with victims often funneled toward Malaysia and other destinations across Southern Philippine borders.
Sheryl Joaquin, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE-9, expressed appreciation to the local government under Mayor John Dalipe and PESO for initiating the campaign, emphasizing that education and community vigilance are essential tools in preventing more lives from falling into the hands of traffickers.
“This kind of initiative is vital in protecting and promoting the welfare of job seekers as they navigate opportunities both here and abroad,” Joaquin said.
The seminar unpacked crucial topics including how to spot signs of illegal recruitment and trafficking, the legal safeguards in place for Filipino workers, and strategies to strengthen preventive measures in vulnerable communities. Special attention was given to the roles of government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private institutions in minimizing cases — particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas where residents are often targeted due to limited employment options and information gaps.
Participants included human resource practitioners from local companies and representatives from island barangays under the Barangay Employment Service Office (BESO). These sectors are considered high-risk, given their geographic isolation and the allure of overseas job offers, which traffickers often exploit.
Zamboanga City, because of its proximity to international waters and unmonitored routes, has unfortunately earned a reputation as a transit point for illegal recruitment and trafficking syndicates. While the Philippines continues to rank among the world’s top labor-exporting countries, cases of Filipino job seekers falling prey to deceitful recruiters and human traffickers remain alarmingly high.
The AIRTIP Campaign underscores the local government’s commitment to strengthening community-based defenses against these illegal activities. Through coordinated efforts involving agencies like DOLE, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and NGOs like Katilingban sa Kalambuan Org. Inc. (KKI), the city hopes to reinforce its fight against trafficking and protect the dignity and rights of every Filipino job seeker.
Among those present were key advocates for workers’ welfare including Juniebe Manganohoy, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and PESO Coordinator; Marietta Belotindos, Supervising LEO of DMW-9; Kenny Ivan Bucoy, Advocacy Officer of KKI; Angeline Pacure, Project Development Officer III of DSWD-9, alongside representatives from various agencies, NGOs, and private institutions.
With strengthened community vigilance, sustained education campaigns, and cross-sector collaboration, Zamboanga City aims to close the backdoor to human traffickers — and open safer pathways to legitimate and dignified employment for its people.