Cruel Chains Broken: A Case Study on Combating Human Trafficking and

Restoring Freedom

A Case Study Presented to the Selected Panelist

SOUTHWAY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Brgy. 3, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

_______________

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Final Grade
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
Course Professor: Jason R. Sanchez, RCrim, MSCJ-CAR

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Apitan, Princess Jackielou D.
Bad-e, Meamosin T.
España, Girl Glaycy E.
Salem, Jannah May R.
Sorima, Kenneth R.
 INTRODUCTION

Human trafficking is a global crime that trades in people and exploits them for

profit. People of all genders, ages and backgrounds can become victims of this crime,

which occurs in every region of the world. Traffickers use violence, fraudulent

employment agencies, and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick,

coerce and deceive their victims. The organized networks or individuals behind this

lucrative crime take advantage of people who are vulnerable, desperate or simply

seeking a better life. Human trafficking is defined in the UN Trafficking in Persons

Protocol, which supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational

Organized Crime, as "the recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring or receipt of a

person by such means as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction,

fraud or deception for the purpose of exploitation".

BODY/CASE STUDY

The Department of Justice (DOJ) brings attention to a distressing matter that has

been unearthed in Sitio Kapihan, Brgy. N. Sering, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The

offences, ranging from violations of the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003" to the

"Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act",

have been occurring since February 2019. The investigation was set into motion in April

2023 after the Municipal Mayor of Socorro raised an alarm to the National Bureau of

Investigation (NBI) about the suspected activities of Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc.
(BAYANIHAN). In the subsequent month, the NBI uncovered a series of allegations

involving child abuse and mistreatment of former bayanihan members. One of the key

revelations was BAYANIHAN's migration to the mountains of Sitio Kapihan following an

earthquake. Here, their leader, SENIOR AGILA, not only declared himself a divine entity

but also forecasted a catastrophic event. This move was soon followed by a regimented

restructuring where members were categorized based on age and abilities. They were

also involved in constructing infrastructures and underwent stringent training regimes.

Worryingly, even minors were not exempted from these duties. Reported misconducts in

the region comprised of mandatory labor, restrained freedom of movement, involuntary

child marriages, and stringent penalties for those who defied, which included physical

harm. Several minors have come forward with their traumatic experiences. Their

narratives include being subjected to forced military exercises, labor-intensive tasks,

witnessing involuntary child marriages, and facing significant challenges when

attempting to leave Sitio Kapihan. Officials from the Municipal Social Welfare and

Development Office of Socorro, validated the transition of six such minors into

protective custody. Meanwhile, two others are currently under maternal supervision.

Furthermore, NBI-CARAGA accumulated additional testimonies that shed light on

life in Sitio Kapihan, their obligatory military drills, oppressive living conditions, and

stringent consequences for any dissenting views. Disturbingly, some trainers, previously

affiliated with the PNP, were identified as dismissed officers. The Securities and

Exchange Commission has verified Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc.'s authenticity and

provided data about its operations and leadership. Despite multiple summons, SENIOR
AGILA and three associates abstained from making any appearance before NBI -

CARAGA. Given the severity of these findings, the DOJ, through NBI-CARAGA,

initiated legal proceedings against the identified perpetrators. Hence, on 01 June 2023,

cases for Qualified Trafficking, Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention, Violation of the

Child Marriage Law and Violation of the Child Abuse Law were filed before the Office of

the Provincial Prosecutor of Surigao del Norte. As of this date, the case is still pending,

with no resolution yet, at the Prosecutor's Level. Respondents filed a Motion for

Inhibition against the Investigating and Provincial Prosecutor of Surigao del Norte to

delay the issuance of the resolution as they have also filed several Writ of Habeas

Corpus cases. The Department remains committed to ensuring justice for the affected

and will ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Conclusion

The Philippines Constitution does not explicitly mention human trafficking or

specific provisions related to human trafficking violations. However, the Constitution

provides a broader framework for the protection of human rights, which can encompass

actions against human trafficking such as the Article II, Section 11 (Declaration of

Principles and State Policies) This section emphasizes the state's commitment to

protect the dignity and human rights of every individual. Article III, Section 1 (Bill of

Rights) This section states that No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property

without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the

laws. which can be invoked in cases of human trafficking violations. Article III, Section
12 (Bill of Rights) This section prohibits the use of torture, force, violence, threat,

intimidation, or any other means that violate human rights.

Although the Constitution doesn't explicitly mention human trafficking, it provides

a foundation for protecting individuals' rights, which includes addressing issues like

human trafficking through specific legislation, such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act

and related laws. These specific laws are enacted to give effect to the constitutional

principles and ensure that human trafficking is effectively addressed in the Philippines.