The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003: Issues and Constraints to Effective Implementation in Oriental Mindoro

The study aimed to identify the barriers to the effective implementation of RA 9208 in Oriental Mindoro (Calapan and Roxas; Puerto Galera) using desk studies, basic vulnerability assessment using available secondary data, and regional and municipal/city level Focus Groups Discussions (FGD). Specifically, the study aimed to: Conduct a situational analysis of the MIMAROPA region in line with relevant human trafficking variables; Determine whether the various agencies in the MIMAROPA region involved in the implementation of RA 9208 have the operational capacity to comply with the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Trafficking Act; Identify vulnerable populations/communities/areas according to human trafficking “push” factors; Identify barriers to the effective implementation of RA 9208 in Roxas and Puerto Galera, and Calapan City; Recommend measures on how to improve the implementation of RA 9208;