PHL-Iraq negotiates accord to curb trafficking of Filipinos

The Philippines and Iraq are negotiating an anti-human trafficking agreement that seeks to end illegal recruitment and smuggling of Filipinos in the conflict-torn state.

A draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines and Iraq was recently submitted to the Iraqi cabinet for review, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

Filipinos are reportedly being brought to Iraq using visit visas and later on “sold” as household workers to families there, the DFA said.

On September 15, the Asuwera Checkpoint Police intercepted a group of four men transporting a Filipino woman to Basra while bearing only an expired visit visa.

The Al Masraah Police Station coordinated the matter to the Philippine Embassy, which immediately dispatched a team to assist the Filipino.

Upon the representation of the embassy with the Iraqi authorities, she was immediately repatriated to the Philippines on September 17.

The court filed appropriate charges against the four men.

Iraq has been ravaged in recent years by civil strife, sectarianism and extremism perpetrated by ISIS.

Even as Iraq has made progress in rebuilding the government and despite the defeat of ISIS, it has continued to face severe challenges in combating tribal conflicts and extremism.

Apart from Iraq, the Philippine government is also discussing with Bangladesh and Indonesia the drafting of a joint paper on human trafficking concerns of sending states to Iraq.

"The initial group, comprised of the embassy of India and the embassy of Pakistan, is scheduled to meet with other missions next week to consolidate concerns and proposals," the DFA said.

With concerted efforts of labor-sending states to Iraq, including the Philippines, the DFA said authorities have tightened security on checkpoints especially on routes used by unscrupulous agencies. — BM, GMA News