CEBU, Philippines - The Congregation of Maranatha Christian Fellowship has pledged to support the Province of Cebu’s advocacy to put an end to every form of child sexual exploitation and child trafficking including banning tabloids in Cebu.
The congregation has gathered more than 1,000 signatures and submitted them to the office of Cebu Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale who co-chairs the Provincial Women’s Commission.
“We commit to show our support through continual vigilant corporate and individual prayers petitioning our Lord Jesus Christ to send divine wisdom and protection for the Vice Governor Magpale,” the signed pledge of support states.
At least four advocacies of Magpale and the Province of Cebu are cited in their pledge supporting the campaign against the increasing incidents of child pornography.
The discovery of cyber pornography operations in Cordova town involving parents using their own children prompted the Province of Cebu to take stronger measures to stop child sexual exploitation and trafficking.
The congregation also supported calls for every tourist establishment, hotel and/or resort to refuse accommodations to any guest accompanied by a minor until clarification of the guest’s relationship with the latter and his/her intent is made clear and known.
This call was initiated by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during the meeting of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force which was attended by hotel, resort and transport operators purposely to coordinate efforts to monitor trafficking activities.
They also expressed support to put an end to the popular sex tourism in Cebu.
The congregation also supports the proposal to pass an ordinance in the Province of Cebu that seeks to ban the sale and distribution of tabloids that are “sexually provocative in nature.”
The proposal introduced by Magpale is still pending before the Cebu Provincial Board and is yet to have a public hearing and plenary debate by the board members before it will be passed and approved.
Magpale earlier said she is determined to push through with her legislative measures despite mixed reactions from different sectors including the media but she assured that all the inputs and suggestions will be considered during the public hearing. — (FREEMAN)