Philippines maintains Tier 1 status in US TIP report for 10th year

The Philippines has maintained its Tier 1 status for the 10th consecutive year in the US Government's 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, signifying it meets minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking.

The report acknowledged the Philippines' efforts in prosecuting traffickers, enacting legislation for fishing recruitment agencies, and taking steps to disrupt trafficking in online scam hubs.

The Philippine government's actions against trafficking, including the banning of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), contributed to this sustained ranking.

The Department of Justice stated this milestone was achieved through a 'whole-of-nation approach' and 'proportional concrete actions' against human trafficking.

Despite these efforts, the US State Department noted that the Philippines fell short in screening for trafficking victims during POGO raids, failing to identify any foreign victims in these operations.

Unlike in 2024, when authorities deported thousands of Chinese and other Asian workers, no foreign victims were reported in 2025, undermining those efforts.