Child pornography present in urban, rural areas

In the absence of a specific law, child pornography has become prevalent in both urban and rural areas, concerned groups said during a joint meeting yesterday.

The Anti-Child Pornography Alliance and representatives from government, non-government organizations, civil society and other stakeholders will be launching a campaign to gather one million signatures to push Congress to enact a law that would punish the culprits.

ACPA Convenor Arlene Brosas said many cases have reportedly occurred in rural areas where people are less aware of the issue. Most reported victims are children 11 to 17 years old.

Meanwhile, ACPA-Cebu Convenor Leny Ocasiones said most incidents in the city happen on line wherein foreigners pay a “recruiter” for nude pictures or videos of children posing obscenely before the camera.

In the meantime, in the absence of any law, the concerned groups said the best way to combat the problem is through close coordination among stakeholders and constant monitoring of internet café’s to prevent children from engaging in cyber sex or posing nude before the camera.

ACPA will be initiating a more intensive information campaign on the impending problem to encourage maximum cooperation among residents here in Cebu City.

Ocasiones said the lives of the children are placed at risk when they are made to engage in pornography, as their morality would be put in jeopardy, which would also affect them psychologically.– Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO