Gov’t. urged to build center for pedophiles, sex offenders

A PSYCHOLOGIST urged the government to open a treatment facility for sexual offenders, and for parents and the community to look after the children in the wake of the arrest of an alleged pedophile in Cebu City.

Rosemarie Gonato, resident psychologist of the Women and Children Protection Center of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), advised parents to teach their children to protect themselves from pedophiles, who often pose as an acquaintance.

Pedophilia, as defined by Gonato, is the abnormal interest in children.

She said that pedophilia can affect anyone, but is more common among those who were sexually abused in their younger years and those who were exposed to pornography at an early age.

Classified

Gonato classified pedo-philes in two types—the situational pedophile or one who is usually surrounded by children in their work or home environment, and the preferential-type or those who have preference for certain types of children.

Most pedophiles usually prefer pre-pubescent kids or those aged 11 and below.

Gonato said that while Filipinos usually associate pedophiles with foreigners, there are also a lot of unreported Filipino pedophiles throughout the country.

She made the appeal following the arrest of businessman Romeo Lim-Rañola, who allegedly abducted a 13-year-old girl in Barangay Basak San Nicolas last Saturday and brought her to a motel.

Policemen recovered a digital camera from Rañola, which contained nude photos of at least 20 children, some of whom were made to perform oral sex. Complaints of child pornography and human trafficking were filed against him.

Facility

With pedophilia and other sexual offenses on the rise, Gonato urged the government to establish a treatment center for sexual offenders.

Pedophiles and other sexual deviants, she said, should be handled by psychologists and psychiatrists with specialization in such psychological illnesses.

Since pedophiles cannot easily be identified, the children’s parents and the community
should be vigilant in keeping possible pedophiles from interacting with their children.

“It’s not only the role of the parents to protect their children, but also the
community,” said Gonato.

Gonato said the parents should be familiar with how pedophiles operate and how they approach their would-be victims.

They should also teach their children to avoid strangers, she added.