Monday, September 29, 2008 Freelance sex workers in Iloilo increase By Erwin Cabarles
THE number of freelance sex workers in Iloilo City is gradually increasing with the approaching holidays, the Task Force Adam's Apple (TFAA) said.
City Councilor Ely Estante, TFAA chairman, said the number of freelance sex workers (FSW) has increased because of the upcoming holidays that need funds to spend on.
He said the task group discovered the increase through constant monitoring. However, there are no exact statistics as to the number of FSW yet.
FSW in Iloilo City is considered "unsafe" as some, if not all sex workers, are feared to carry sexually transmitted diseases (STD). These freelance sex workers are observed to have missed health check-ups.
Those who are STD-free are given a pink card to show their health status.
In Iloilo City, sex workers and Guest Relation Officers (GROs) are required to register.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said such increase might also cause the rise in the number of people living with HIV-Aids. Thus, the task force should not stop its campaign.
There is information that some of the freelance sex workers are not local residents but are from neighboring provinces like Negros and Cebu.
The task force has previously apprehended a number of sex workers working without a pink card.
