Saturday, June 07, 2008 Editorial: Cybersex activities in Cagayan de Oro
A PRIVATE residence in Barangay Lapasan doubles as a cybersex den, neighbors complained to dxIF Bombo Radyo. Reports had it that the couple who owns the house -- and who also operates the den -- recruits young neighbors as sex performers for foreign audiences willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the shows.
Whether these allegations are true or not, the prevalence of cybersex activities in Cagayan de Oro can no longer be ignored. These disturbing online activities do happen in the confines of cubicles and "exclusive rooms" of Internet cafés. Internet users in this type of environment are left to their own devices-the hourly rent they pay assures some degree of privacy.
And so it is a common sight in Internet establishments these days to see scantily clad women doing what it is they like-or they must-in their rented webcams. An appalling scene - and not quietly remote, sadly - are older women bringing along with them obviously primped up girls, who are often minors.
Because cybersex operators only need personal computers (PCs) and Internet connection to peddle their depravity to the world, private locations - residences, rented apartments or any suitable place - have now become the cozy venues in which this illegal trade thrives.
This makes cybersex operations difficult to detect. Unless the victims themselves or the vigilant members of the community speak up, every click of the mouse fattens the pockets of cybersex offenders while the "virtual rape" of molested victims remains unnoticed.
Are local government units (LGUs) ready to combat this emerging, sophisticated sex slavery in the World Wide Web?
Only so if the proper legislations -- parallel to the national laws -- have been enacted locally, couple with educated, responsive and modern law enforcement.
In Cagayan de Oro, no law has yet been enacted to specifically address this online menace. What we have is an ordinance regulating Internet cafes and against pornography, but nothing against cybersex crimes.
A law, therefore, should be enacted against viewing, storing, producing, sending or receiving illicit materials in the Internet. It should include penal provisions against business establishments being used for such activities, and more strongly against individuals facilitating or operating cybersex dens.
