Porn DVDs confiscated in surprise inspection

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City’s Anti-Indecency Board (CAIB) made a surprise inspection and had confiscated close to 80 porn DVDs around Colon Street and the Carbon Market area the other day.

The CAIB, now headed by Dr. Lucelle Mercado, had been inactive since 2016 and was just reactivated upon the directive of Mayor Mike Rama late last year.

"Balik na ta karon, ug duna gyud ta'y nakalinya nga mga operasyon," Mercado told The FREEMAN.

The other day, CAIB made a surprise inspection in an establishment along Colon Street and another one in Carbon Market.

Mercado said they too were surprised to find out that there are still some DVDs sold, including adult/porn movies, since the demand for DVDs has slowed down throughout the years following the community’s better access to the internet.

"Nakugang mi kay naa pa diay mga DVD karon. Hinuon nagkagamay nalang siya, pero dili gyud na namo lung-an. Ang kasagaran karon kay naa na sa internet ang mga porn," Mercado said.

During its latest operation, the seller was able to escape right away and left the DVDs behind.

One of the Mayor’s Special Assistants, Ramil Ayuman, said there were 36 porn DVDs confiscated along Colon Street and 43 in the Carbon area.

These adult DVDs are not displayed in the open but are shelved alongside other movies and are only shown upon inquiries from customers.

"Sauna ang multa kay P500 rana.  Karon kay nahimo naman siya og P5,000. Aw dapat moundang na gyud sila ana, kay dako na baya ang multa,” Mercado said.

With easier and faster access to the internet, the CAIB is also looking into pushing for the amendment of the city’s anti-indecency ordinance that will include in their scope the monitoring of online materials and the inclusion of internet shops in their operations.

Aside from that, CAIB is also looking at the inclusion in their scope of work going after those selling sex toys as well. — Sanden J. Anadia, GAN (FREEMAN)