OFW Watch is dedicated to providing the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) with the tools to help the world fight human slavery. As a group, the most vulnerable among us are often victims of this horrible condition.

As Filipinos, we can set an example for the rest of the world to follow. As connected OFWs, we will demonstrate what all of us know about the nature of the Filipino. We care for each other.

 

 

Enough already!

We have to connect and watch out for each other!

It is time for the strong among us to stand up for the weak!

 

 

Do you think you might know a victim of human trafficking?

 

The following are all possible indicators that someone might be a victim:

• Living with employer
• Poor living conditions
• Multiple people in cramped space
• Inability to speak to individual alone
• Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
• Employer is holding identity documents
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful
• Unpaid or paid very little
• Under 18 and in prostitution

 

If you are able to communicate with the suspected victim without jeopardizing their safety, the experts recommend you ask these questions:

 

• Can you leave your job if you want to?
• Can you come and go as you please?
• Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
• Has your family been threatened?
• Do you live with your employer?
• Where do you sleep and eat?
• Are you in debt to your employer?
• Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?

Take action!

If you believe the individual is a victim you must alert the proper officials. Contact the local police station or country’s human trafficking hotline. At the bottom of this page there is a complete list of human trafficking hotlines listed by country.

 

Or Contact OFW Watch. You can email us at help@ofwwatch.com with enough details for us to take action on behalf of the suspected victim. We will take it from there. Please include your phone number or email, in case we need additional information.

 

In the Philippines.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is the body created by law to coordinate and monitor the implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”. Its members are composed of the Secretaries and heads of government agencies and sectoral representatives. Contact them below:

 

Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)
Ground Floor, Multi-Purpose Bldg.
Department of Justice
Padre Faura, Manila 1000
Republic of the Philippines

iacatdoj@yahoo.com

(632) 527-2363, (632) 523-8481 local 216
(632) 526-2748,