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Philippines: A case on successful prosecution of a trafficking in persons case without a victim testimony

The Supreme Court of the Philippines published a landmark case demonstrating the successful prosecution of a trafficking in persons case without a victim testimony.

BBB (mother of a 14-yr old child victim) and XXX were found guilty of conspiring with one another to marry AAA (victim) to XXX for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

“The fact that AAA was not presented during the trial did not undermine the prosecution’s case against the defendant.  The Rule on Examination of Child Witness on hearsay exception applies when the testimony of the child is corroborated by other evidence and the child is unavailable.”

This is an important judgement as it demonstrates that cases can be successfully prosecuted without reliance on a victim. This significantly reduces the prospects of re-victimisation and re-traumatisation.

The case is published on the Supreme Court of the Philippines website, available in English here: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/29192/

The case contains depiction of violence and abuse that some readers may find difficult and/or triggering.

Published 2022