Group asks poll bets to campaign against child sex tourism

CEBU, Philippines - A newly organized network called Cebu Against Sex Tourism (CAST) is challenging candidates for the 2013 elections to make a crusade against child sex tourism part of their program.

One of the convenors, lawyer Joan Dympha Saniel-Amit, said that child sex tourism is a reality in Cebu.

Amit cited foreigners escorted by very young women and boys, many of them minors, that has become a common sight at the resorts and hotels and even in most public places such as malls, not to mention night joints and hangout places.

“Such scenario is so common that though we suspect something is happening, we simply shrug our shoulders and say we cannot do anything about it because it is reality,” she said.

This year, an Australian was apprehended for trafficking six young boys and using these boys for sexual gratification. Last year, two foreign nationals were also caught using girls for pornography and sex.

Amit said that these arrests indicate that something is happening to Cebu’s children.

“With our children becoming victims of sexual and economic exploitation which comes in package with promoting Cebu as a tourism hub in the South, we cannot just watch and do nothing about it,” she said.

Amit said that efforts must be made to prevent sex tourists from coming to the province and victimize the children.

Widespread education and information activities must be conducted to awaken parents to watch over their children and not feed them to sexual exploiters and the public must be vigilant against sex tourism, said Amit.

As candidates for 2013 elections already filed their Certificates of Candidacy, Amit said they take this opportunity to challenge them to show concern for the children and put an end to child sex tourism in the province.

“As candidates offering themselves to the public, they must put the welfare of children in their agenda,” Amit added.

Among the member networks of CAST are various non-government organizations that include the Children’s Legal Bureau, International Justice Mission, Batang Pinanga Foundation, CURE Foundation, and Options Inc.

The local government units of Balamban, Talisay City, Consolacion, Naga City and Mandaue City are also participating the campaign. — (FREEMAN)