KUALA LUMPUR - The Philippines government officially launched a new operational referral system to improve the reporting, coordination and delivery of assistance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are victims of human trafficking, last Thursday in Mandaluyong City.

The system was unveiled by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Justice–Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) in conjunction with the observance of International Migrants Day.

Migrant Workers Secretary, Hans Leo Cacdac said the new guidelines would allow faster and more coordinated government action in trafficking cases involving OFWs.

He said the system was designed to address the ongoing threat of human trafficking while protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of migrant workers.

“These guidelines strengthen our national referral mechanism by ensuring that all government agencies, service providers and partner organizations operate within a unified, rights-based and gender-responsive framework.

“They establish clear and harmonized procedures for referrals, define institutional roles and responsibilities at every stage of trafficking cases, and ensure that potential, presumed and formally identified victims receive timely, appropriate and compassionate assistance,” he said.

Cacdac said the initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive for the government to be present and responsive to OFWs who need help.

He added that the guidelines represent a strong commitment to survivor-centered protection and better coordination among frontline agencies.

As chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos, Cacdac said the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs jointly led the development of the framework.

DOJ-IACAT Executive Director, Hannah Lizette Manalili said the new mechanism provides a single, institutional pathway for trafficking victims and their families, especially those repatriated from overseas.

She said reports filed through IACAT are now immediately coordinated with Philippine foreign service posts and Migrant Workers Offices to ensure continued assistance upon the victims’ return.

Manalili said a key feature of the system is a unified intake information sheet, which reduces repeated interviews and paperwork that can retraumatize survivors.

She added that information gathered during the first contact will be shared across agencies to support assistance and case-building.

A trafficking survivor identified as Kurt stressed the importance of clear referral systems in helping victims escape abuse and recover.

“As a survivor of human trafficking myself, I want to emphasize the importance of clear assistance and proper referrals, because when victims know where to go and trust that support is available, it becomes more possible for them to survive and recover, as I have.

“I want to remind everyone that we are not just case numbers, we are people who have been hurt and frightened but continue to fight,” he added.

Labor Attache and Migrant Workers Protection Bureau officer-in-charge, Geraldine Mendez said the new system allows services to be delivered seamlessly from overseas posts to local communities.

“The assistance now continues from the foreign service post to the airport, to the central office, and all the way back to the survivor’s province and local government, with all services fully coordinated,” she said.

Cacdac also added the guidelines were first rolled out to airport and law enforcement personnel in Metro Manila and will be expanded nationwide next year.

He added that similar operational guidelines for trafficking cases in seaports will also be developed, starting in Zamboanga.

“When referrals lead to real action, that is when they truly make an impact on our citizens and our victims,” Cacdac said.