NGOs lead Cebu-wide day vs child cyber porn Aug. 1

NON-GOVERNMENT organizations working for children’s rights mark August 1 as the Cebu-wide Day to End Child Pornography, getting the support of local governments, business and schools around the province against the rapidly spreading child cyber pornography, or sexual exploitation of children via the Internet.

“Everybody could do something to end child cyber pornography. There is a way out,” said Telay Echano, country coordinator for the Philippines of children’s aid organisation Terre des Hommes Netherlands.

The Cebu-wide Day to End Child Pornography, probably the first to be marked in the province and the city, is the highlight of Terre des Hommes’ public awareness campaign against child cyber pornography called Project Redirect (www.redirectcebu.com), which kicked off in the Netherlands July 16.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands simultaneously launched the campaign in Cebu together with its partners Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), Bidlisiw Foundation and the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors (Forge) with the theme “Sugbo! Lihok Batok sa Pornograpiya!”

The Cebu-wide day kicks off in the morning with the laying on the sidewalks from Fuente Osmena to Plaza Independencia of colorful rubber arrow tiles with the words “School,” “Care” and “Happiness.”

The arrows, representing donations generated from the Dutch republic, signify situations where all children should be.

Community talks on what child cyber porn is, its effects on children, and steps to prevent it will also be held.

In the afternoon at Fuente Osmena, peoples from different parts of the province assemble for the People’s Walk to End Child Pornography going to Plaza Independencia.

An art work session among 20 children and discussions with NGOs are simultaneously held at the Plaza Independencia.

Expected to express their messages of support at the Plaza Independencia are Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, City Councilor Alvin Dizon, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Joven Amor of Compostela, and Ludwig Federigan, president of the Bosconian International Chamber of Commerce.

Lanterns with candle lights will be released to cap the event, as symbol of the freedom of children from all forms of sexual exploitation, including child cyber pornography.

CLB executive director Joan Saniel earlier warned that child cyber pornography is rampantly spreading in the six districts of Cebu and most likely the whole country as an easy way out of poverty.

Official data on children trapped in child cyber porn are still lacking, she said, but trends show that more and more Filipino children are forced to perform sexual acts in front of the webcam for about P300 daily, while their clients, usually Western pedophiles, watch at the other end of the Internet miles away from the children.

“Child cyber porn could lead to prostitution if we don’t stop it at once,” said Saniel. It is possible for perpetrators to go here to directly meet and have sex with the children, she added.

Pamela Uy, Bidlisiw deputy executive director, said working together would help see the warning signs at once, foremost of which is letting a child pose nude in front of the webcam.

“Some parents or guardians think no abuse is committed against the children because there is no actual physical contact,” Uy said.

“Most children rarely report their cases. Some are afraid while others, both children and their families, do not know that they are already being exploited,” said Jonna Bonilla-Nunez, Forge-Rescue project coordinator.

The campaign has received a nod from the province, Cebu City and Balamban town, each passing a resolution in support for the Cebu-wide Day. (PR)