Aquino grateful to Hillary Clinton for praising PHL efforts vs human trafficking

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is grateful for the encouraging remarks made by United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the Philippine government's efforts against human trafficking. In a press statement Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Clinton’s statements were “of particular significance as they come from a committed advocate of liberating persons from the evils of human trafficking."' Lacierda said Aquino intends to write a letter to thank Clinton for her remarks. In an interview with CNN Tuesday, Clinton cited the Philippines as among “the countries that have made a lot of progress" in the campaign. “Look at what the Philippines have done in a change of administration," Clinton told Jim Clancy of CNN International’s Freedom Project. “The Philippines probably export more people of their citizenry than nearly any other country in the world. They go all over the world to work in many different settings," Clinton said. "Until the new administration of President Aquino, we didn’t really have the level of commitment we were seeking. We do now, and we see a sea change of difference," Clinton added. Trafficking in Persons Hero award Meanwhile, Malacañang also commended Darlene Pajarito, Assistant Zamboanga City Prosecutor, for receiving the US State Department’s Global Trafficking in Persons Hero Award. “Justice must be done, not only swiftly, but successfully. Atty. Pajarito's efforts are proof that with official support, investigatory thoroughness and zeal, the filing of cases can result in convictions," Lacierda said. Lacierda also urged the people to keep working together against human trafficking. “Government and civil society, the bureaucracy and the citizenry, together, can help make sure that no person works under conditions or circumstances that are against their will," he said. - VVP, GMA News