MANILA, Philippines – Incoming president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is urged to fire and prosecute officials colluding with human trafficking syndicates.

Migrante International made the statement following the US State Department’s release of its report on human trafficking early this week. The Philippines remains at Tier 2 watchlist of countries whose governments have failed to show improved efforts to curb the problem.

“Human trafficking is a serious crime against humanity. Noynoy must act with force against those involved in this offense, especially those inside the government. They must be fired and prosecuted immediately. Hindi na kailangan pang mag-imbestiga para lamang matukoy kung sino-sino ang mga yan. It’s an open secret. People inside the government very well know who among them benefits from this heinous crime,” said Garry Martinez, Chairperson of Migrante International.

Martinez said their group is ready to disclose its own watchlist of officials allegedly involved in human trafficking. He said that their list is based on complaints they received from overseas Filipino workers for the past few years.

“But if Noynoy is willing to work with us, we can sit down with him, reveal our watchlist and create plan how to make these officials pay for their crime,” Martinez said.

Likewise, the group also wants the Department of Justice’s Task Force on Trafficking in Persons to be held accountable for the increase of human trafficking cases.

“Apart from making officials pay for their offenses, Noynoy should also pay attention to addressing the root of the trafficking problem which is joblessness and poverty in the country. Getting rid of corrupt officials is just a tactical solution, building an economy free from domination of foreign and local big business is the answer to our long-standing woes,” Martinez said.