THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has reinforced victim-centric measures to guarantee the proper identification, safety, and immediate referral of human trafficking survivors during law enforcement operations.
The directive, led by NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, follows the Philippine National Police leadership’s call to intensify crackdowns against trafficking rings, particularly those operating via online recruitment platforms.
PBGen. Abrahano instructed all district commanders, station chiefs, and operating units to maintain active collaboration with social workers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Under the updated guidelines, responding officers must prioritize physical and psychological safety, conduct interviews with utmost sensitivity, and safeguard vulnerable individuals—especially minors.
Abrahano stressed that law enforcement must balance aggressive pursuit of syndicates with compassionate protection for those exploited.
“Rescuing potential victims is only part of our responsibility. We must ensure that they are treated with dignity, protected from further harm, and connected with the agencies that can provide the assistance they need. Our operations must pursue those responsible for trafficking while safeguarding the rights and welfare of the people being exploited,” Abrahano stated.
To improve operational response, NCRPO personnel are undergoing heightened awareness training regarding trafficking indicators, such as deceptive work offers, online coercion, threats, and restricted movement.
Strict protocols have also been established to protect survivors’ identities, prevent public stigmatization, and shield them from retaliatory threats.
Furthermore, officers are strictly reminded never to treat rescued individuals as offenders, mandating proper evaluation and inter-agency support.
The regional office urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment schemes.
Concluding his directive, Abrahano emphasized that the success of the police force’s anti-trafficking campaign is defined equally by justice delivered against perpetrators and the safety guaranteed to survivors.
