Anti-child sex tourism film gets support from local gov’t, NGOs

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and non-government organizations yesterday declared support to an internationally-recognized film which tackles the issue on child sex tourism.

“We are supporting this film as part of our advocacy in raising awareness against child trafficking and sex tourism involving children,” said Magpale in a press conference.

Director Jacco Groen said the movie “Lilet Never Happened” is based on the stories of two child sex workers rolled into one. The movie presents the life of Lilet, an 11-year-old sex worker in the Philippines.

Groen said when he first set foot on the Philippines 25 years ago, the first thing he noticed was the sex tourism involving children. When it got worse several years later, he said the lack of awareness on the ‘trade’ and how it affects the children and their family in general are among the reasons why the illegal business is booming.

“Lilet is real,” said Groen.

Magpale said Groen might have seen Lilet outside Cebu, but the character is a “semi myth” as there are also “Lilets” in Cebu.

This is why Groen will be showing the film in Cebu for the Cebuanos’ awareness on child sex tourism. The movie will be shown at the University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus on October 4. The organizers hope to show it to commercial theaters soon.

Magpale heads the Capitol’s anti-child trafficking council, which has been active in locating cyber pornography sex dens all over the province and rescuing minors being trafficked for sex to foreign nationals.

While some culprits have been arrested, Magpale admitted they are not easily punished because their cases take years to prosper.

“We have cases that are already there for four years, three years, and no decision yet. But I have already brought this out to (Justice) Sec. (Leila de Lima). Medyo hinay-hinay ta’s conviction but they (authorities) are also very careful especially nga life imprisonment na,” she said. — (FREEMAN)