June 18, 2009

 

U.S. Embassy Turns Over Van, Computers, and Other Equipment to NBI
To Combat Human Trafficking

 

In a ceremony today at the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in Manila, U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney turned over to NBI Director Nestor Mantaring investigation and surveillance equipment that will support NBI’s efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons.

The equipment, valued at $35,000.00, includes a passenger van, bullet-proof vests, surveillance cameras, and computers. The equipment will enhance NBI’s capacity to conduct surveillance, rescue trafficking victims, and collect and log data on human trafficking cases.

“The equipment donated today will greatly enhance NBI’s capacity to combat trafficking, enabling them and the talented prosecutors from the Department of Justice to build stronger and more effective cases for prosecution that we hope will lead to convictions of human traffickers under Philippine law,” said Ambassador Kenney.

“In close cooperation with our Filipino partners, the U.S. Government will continue to be a strong and dedicated partner of the Filipino people to combat trafficking in persons,” she added.

The U.S. Government, through the Department of State and USAID, has provided $4.5 million to support anti-trafficking initiatives in the Philippines since 2005. The U.S. Government supports the Philippine Government, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society groups in their efforts to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking, to provide essential services and protection to victims, and to assist in the enforcement of the Philippine anti-trafficking law.

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