A child was recently identified and delivered from her Human Trafficking bondage only because she was in a critical medical condition. An alert Pediatrician was performing her duty and went beyond assessment and treatment. She activated the emergency hotline.

To the Government’s credit, agencies have rallied around her. Under the Dept. of Human and Social Services the victim is placed in a secure shelter with CPS and social workers for safety, and she receives continued medical attention. The CID, Homeland Security and Immigration investigators were launched toward sponsors. A huge hole in the Immigration Department’s sieve has been uncovered.

A child Human Trafficking victim has surfaced. A deported felon sex offender who freely saunters back and forth across the borders is finally caught through the Judicial System. A high government official’s behaviors, along with that of his staff, are being investigated for suspicious activities.

In the meantime, an adult female Human Trafficking victim is fighting for her life, justice and reputation, while Homeland Security has made shallow attempts at investigating since Ms Gumanab first crossed their door in April 2015; CID claims their investigation was stopped by the AG’s office; and, the AG’s office denies such an order.

Now, CID Cdr. Sagapolutele told me their investigation has been stopped pending the AG's investigation — then they will compare notes before submitting them together to the AG’s office? Meanwhile the clock is ticking.

No-one within this government seems to be serious about Ms. Gumanab’s allegations. No one is taking it serious that this woman has filed a criminal complaint. The Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force appears to be defunct and silent. She is being rebuffed by the Immigration AG Attorney to refer her complaints to Dept. Public Safety. AG’s office is still not clear if this is an administrative or criminal investigation.

Contrary to the Human Trafficking law's definition of protecting and encouraging victims to come forward (Chapter 50 of Title 46 A.S.C.A. Anti-Human Trafficking and Involuntary Servitude sect: 46.5001 & 46.5011 Temporary Protective Status), according to the AG’s office Ms Gumanab does not qualify for protection.

In essence it appears she is being treated as if she is the criminal while the government is going out of their way to shut doors in our faces in an attempt to cover up her accusations and protect the real perpetrators.

A petition was sent to the Immigration Board to request a rehearing. Attached to this request are the full facts involving the Immigration official.

If our government is serious and wants to get to the bottom of the corruption within the Immigration Office — especially if it is a lair to channel Human Trafficking — an independent investigation should be allowed to run its course all the way to court.

We the people of American Samoa deserve the right to see justice and the path our government is choosing in the interest of justice. The victim’s Human Rights for protection and justice are being violated.

It’s also a known fact the the 'Immigration Ambassador' has secured an attorney to defend him. Meanwhile the young lady at Immigration that allegedly facilitated the traveling package with him for Ms Gumanab has abruptly departed the islands, since the first news broke out in early June.

This case is far reaching; Human Trafficking, a criminal network involving high government Immigration officials, a civilian business man, and an inside network involving Immigration and Customs office. Then there appears to be Government Directors and Commander’s dereliction of their sworn duties, interfering and possibly tampering with witnesses in the investigations.

Meanwhile, the unprotected victim lives in constant fear and terror. There are witnesses within the Filipino community who are afraid for their immigration status, to speak-up for Ms. Gumanab — specially when they witness how the victim is being treated. I am grateful they are rallying around her to safely shelter and provide for her.

We are now witnessing some of the attitudes the Government of American Samoa are reflecting on the issues of Human Trafficking and the violation of Human Rights. I would like for you readers to close your eyes and put yourselves in Ms. Gumanab’s position in your own country. Is this the future you envision for your children in our own homeland?

At the end of the day the whispers of “ Im just doing what I'm told to do” will echo throughout.”

Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.