BAGUIO CITY – The Philippines Against Child trafficking (PACT), a non-government organization involved in the advocacy against child trafficking, disclosed the country is considered as one of the sources, transit point, and destination of child trafficking.

The expose of the organization was done during the celebration of the International Day Against child Trafficking and the 20th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Child in this mountain resort city.

PACT pointed out that child trafficking is one of the worst forms of violations against children’s rights. Children and their families are offered with descent work and good salary in the cities and overseas.

Because of poverty, limited employment opportunities, sex tourism, lack of awareness, and want of material things, PACT said, children are lured or forced to accept the job without knowing the dangers that lie ahead.

Worst, some children end up in brothels and bars; others are sold for pornography, sex slaves, forced labor; elicit activities and armed conflict.

Furthermore, women and children are trafficked to Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Pretoria, South Africa, Saipan, Guam, Beirut, Brunei, Honking, Dubai and Bangkok.

Within the country, most child trafficking victims who come from the rural and poverty-stricken areas are brought to Manila, Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, and other urban areas in the different parts of the country.

Based on the 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States (US) State Department, the Philippines is ranked under Tier 2 Watch List due to the Philippine government’s alleged failure to show evidence of progress in convicting trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for labor trafficking.

From 2003 to 2008, the period when the implementation of the Anti-Child Trafficking in Persons Act was implemented, the Department of Justice (DOJ) received 679 trafficking in persons cases, 253 of which are still pending resolution, 209 are in court and the rest are either filed as violation of other penal laws, dismissed or withdrawn.