Training vs. sex tourism held

CEBU, Philippines - A local nongovernment organization assisting abused and exploited children is holding a paralegal training seminar to equip communities against sex tourists who may prey on Cebu’s children.

The Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB) spent the long weekend through a three-day seminar at the Sarrosa International Hotel training local government workers, including police personnel, social workers and barangay officials in handling cases of victims of child sex tourism.

“We want our communities not only to be aware of our laws against tourists sexually abusing our children, but also to know what to do in case these happen in our communities,” said lawyer Noemi B. Truya-Abarientos, coordinator of CLB’s Laban Bata Program.

The paralegal training included discussion and workshops on Republic Acts 7610 and 9208, affidavit-making, conducting rescues, criminal procedures and evidence, interviewing child witnesses, developmental legal aid, and child’s rights legal aid framework.The role of a paralegal, the preparing of a complaint, and the coming up with action plans was also included in the training.

Child sex tourism is an international concern because it has become widespread worldwide, and children as young as infants are victims, according to CLB.The Philippines is one of the countries listed as hotspots for child sex tourists.

“With the promotion of local tourism, we cannot avoid that there are tourists who come here to buy young flesh. We must be ready against it,” Truya-Abarientos added.

The training, which is co-sponsored by the Terre des Hommes-Netherlands, is already the third given by CLB to communities which are known tourist destinations such as Badian and Moalboal in the south and Bantayan Island, Bogo and Sta. Fe in the north. (THE FREEMAN)