Human trafficking is a serious issue, not only in the Philippines but around the world. Fortunately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has a program for trafficking victims: the Recover and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).
This article focuses on the RRPTP program — its services, target beneficiaries, and required documents. We will also talk about how you can acquire the program’s services, in case you encounter a victim or any situation that may involve human trafficking.
The Program and its Services
As the name of the program implies, RRPTP involves “recovery” and “reintegration.” By providing social, economic, and psychosocial support — the program assists victims of human trafficking towards holistic recovery.
Likewise, the program seeks to support the victim’s family and community. This way, he/she will have a smooth “reintegration” into society. At the same time, other family and community members can be prevented from becoming victims themselves.
Here is a list of the direct services, auxiliary services, and other services provided by the DSWD through the RRPTP program:
Direct Services
- Legal Services
- Capital Assistance
- Case Management
- Rescue and Repatriation
- Referral to Employers and/or Business Partners
- Financial Assistance (e.g. for employment, skills training, etc.)
Auxiliary Services
- Documentation
- Temporary Shelter
- Psychosocial Counseling
- Other Incidental Expenses
Other Services
- Medical Assistance
- Livelihood Assistance
- Educational Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- Hygiene Kits and Food Packs
In addition, the DSWD has established a 24-hour Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Helpline in its Central Office, as well as in all DSWD Field Offices located in every region, across the country.
Target Beneficiaries
DSWD’s Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons aims to provide the above services to the following:
- Victims who have been trafficked within the Philippines and abroad;
- Victims who are currently living in the Philippines or have been repatriated to the Philippines;
- Minors who have been trafficked and require rehabilitative services;
- Adults who have been trafficked and are willing to participate in the program;
- Elderly persons who have been trafficked and require protective services;
- Persons with disabilities who have been trafficked and require special protection services;
- Families and relatives of human trafficking victims;
- Communities with a high incidence of trafficking; and
- Foreign nationals who have been victims of trafficking in the Philippines.
Requirements
In order to avail of the RRPTP program and its services, victims of human trafficking must prepare the following documents:
- Passport or Valid ID;
- Birth Certificate (for minors);
- Barangay Clearance or Certificate of Indigency; and
- Referral Letter (if applicable).
Depending on the case, additional documents may be required, such as travel documents, medical reports, and more.
Process
If you or anyone you know is a victim of trafficking, be sure to contact or go to the nearest DSWD Field Office. If you are based abroad, go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. You can also get in touch with a non-government organization (NGO) or any other agency that provides help or assistance to trafficking victims.
At the DSWD office, your situation will be assessed carefully, to determine the best solution and type of service that you need. You can rest assured that the department will treat your case with confidentiality, and make sure that you receive the best service!
Video: “Iligtas Mo Ako” Campaign by DSWD
DSWD’s “Iligtas Mo Ako” campaign seeks to raise awareness about cases of human trafficking in the Philippines and abroad. Here is a video about the campaign, as shared by the department’s official Facebook page:
Frequently Asked Questions
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about the RRPTP program of DSWD:
1. What is the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons?
The Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) is a DSWD program that seeks to help victims of human trafficking. It provides different types of services that are geared towards the recovery of trafficking victims. The program also assists in the reintegration of the victim into their families and the community as a whole.
2. Who are the target beneficiaries?
The program aims to provide assistance to: (a) Filipinos who have been trafficked within the Philippines and abroad; (b) Pinoys who are living in the Philippines or have been repatriated to the country: (c) minors, adults, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities who have been trafficked; (d) families and relatives of human trafficking victims; (e) communities with a high incidence of trafficking; and (f) foreign nationals who have been victims of trafficking in the Philippines.
3. What are the services offered by the program?
Depending on each case, the RRPTP program provides different types of services. “Direct services” include rescue and repatriation (for Filipinos abroad), legal services, capital assistance, and more. Meanwhile, “auxiliary services” include documentation, temporary shelter, and psychosocial counseling. Moreover, “other services” include transportation, medical assistance, educational assistance, and livelihood assistance.
4. What are the requirements?
When seeking assistance through the RRPTP program, victims of human trafficking and their relatives (or friend) should prepare: the victim’s passport or valid ID, Barangay Clearance, Certificate of Indigency, birth certificate (for minors), and referral letter (if applicable). Additional documents may be required, depending on each particular case.
5. What are the steps involved?
To avail of the RRPTP program and its services, victims of human trafficking are urged to go to the nearest DSWD office, NGO, or agency that offers help to trafficking victims. Their situation will be assessed, to help determine the type of assistance that they need.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
For those who are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), you can know more about the RRPTP program by getting in touch with the DSWD Central Office using these contact details:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8931 8101 to 07 local 407, 408, and 409 / (02) 8931 9141 (RRPTP hotline)
Email: pmb@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dswdserves/
Google Map
On the other hand, for those of you who are based in the provinces, you can contact your local City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) for help. Check out this link to view the contact details of all DSWD Field Offices across the country.
Summary
Thanks to the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), many victims have been assisted by the DSWD. Notably, a press release states that in 2023, around 1,900 victims and survivors of trafficking have benefited from the program.
Indeed, DSWD’s workers are like “angels,” providing compassion and a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors of society. It is not surprising, then, that they are called “Angels in Red Vests” — a fitting name for the department’s dedicated, hardworking personnel.