The Cluster Against Human Trafficking of the Philippine Catholic bishops’ conference has expanded its partnership with other church offices to bolster its fight against modern-day slavery.
Its new partners include the Commissions on Health Care, Family and Life, Indigenous Peoples, and the Committee on Public Affairs of the bishops’ conference.
The expanded collaboration involves “ministering to the victims in their sectors or have potential to empower or stop the victimization or contribute their network to stop human trafficking together.”
“Healing after the trafficking is part of the Health Care ministry; trafficking of organs is also part or related to the apostolate, all Commissions have a part to contribute to this,” said Bishop Rex Ramirez of Naval, chairman of cluster.
The Cluster Against Human Trafficking was formed in 2017 for collaborative actions among the different ministries down to the dioceses to fight human trafficking.
For four years, its members included the Commissions on Migrants and Itinerant People, Social Action, Youth, and the Office on Women.
The cluster also aims to engage with concerned agencies, conduct research, and database at the diocesan level, and standardize modules and guidelines for diocesan response and engagements.
The bishops’ conference is part of the Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking, which was formed in 2013.
