Samson Inocencio leads the charge against human trafficking and online exploitation in PH

Lawyer Samson Inocencio, a passionate human rights lawyer and advocate, has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking in the Philippines for more than two decades. His work is not just a career, but a personal mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society, especially children.

Attorney Samson Inocencio, National Director and Regional Vice President for International Justice Mission Philippines

Starting from humble beginnings in Mindanao, his life path was shaped by a deep commitment to caring for others – a value instilled by his family and reinforced through his experiences witnessing the harsh realities of poverty and exploitation. Today, as National Director and Regional Vice President of the International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines, he leads efforts to combat human trafficking, with a particular focus on Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OSEC). His journey reflects a tireless pursuit of justice and the belief that the law, when effectively enforced, can be a powerful tool to protect those without a voice.

Inocencio’s motivation comes from the survivors’ resilience and the opportunity to be part of their journey toward justice. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE LINKEDIN

Growing up in Mindanao, his parents taught him the importance of caring for others. His worldview expanded when he moved to Manila to study, where he faced the grim reality of poverty and a lack of protection for vulnerable populations. These experiences led him to pursue a career in law as a means of defending those who could not defend themselves. A crucial Philippine case, Calalang vs. Williams, which emphasized the idea that “those who have less in life should have more in law”, had a major influence on his work.

In 2003 he focused on the problem of human trafficking, in particular the sexual exploitation of children in bars and brothels. At the time, traffickers operated with impunity, but he took on the challenge of working with police to build cases, provide legal support during rescue operations and prepare survivors for justice. Over time, his efforts led to numerous successful convictions, and he became a crucial figure in the fight against human trafficking in the Philippines.

In 2007, he moved to Cebu to lead a project aimed at reducing child sex trafficking through collaboration with the criminal justice system. His work led to a 72 percent decline in trade in Cebu’s bars and brothels. He later returned to Manila in 2012, where he replicated the model there and in Angeles City, reducing human trafficking cases by 75 to 86 percent.

In 2016, he shifted his focus to combating the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation (OSEC). As National Director of IJM Philippines, he worked with government agencies to tackle this new challenge, leveraging his extensive experience to lead the charge against OSEC and ensure lasting protection for vulnerable children.

In his role as national director and regional vice president, he leads a team of researchers, attorneys, social workers and advocates who work closely with government agencies to combat human trafficking. His responsibilities include overseeing rescue operations, supporting survivors in court, and working with local and international partners to bring human traffickers to justice. His leadership also includes setting a clear vision for the fight against OSEC and human trafficking, while working with stakeholders, including government officials, businesses and global organizations, to create sustainable protection systems.

One of his key achievements is his contribution to the Philippines achieving a Tier 1 rating in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report – a testament to the country’s progress in the fight against human trafficking. Under his leadership, IJM has conducted more than 400 rescue operations, saving more than 1,300 children and securing more than 400 convictions.

Despite the enormous challenges posed by the fight against human trafficking, he remains deeply committed to his cause. His motivation comes from the survivors’ resilience and the opportunity to be part of their journey toward justice. His vision for the future is clear: eliminating online child sexual exploitation and creating lasting protection for all vulnerable children in the Philippines. His work exemplifies the power of justice and compassion in creating meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most.