Future assured for kids in cybersex case

CEBU Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said she was glad to see that the seven children rescued from a cyber pornography operation in Cordova town last year were doing well in a government-accredited center.

“The seven are doing very well… We’re lucky that the facility we chose is a prestigious one … they are in school,” Magpale said during the 888 News Forum this week.

The center, accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has temporary custody of the children.

The Cebu provincial government is contributing P2,000 a month as assistance, she said.

Apart from having their basic needs attended to, the children are still undergoing psychosocial intervention to help them cope with the trauma of their experience at home.

Magpale, who is the co-chairperson of the province’s commission on women and the welfare of children, said even if the parents of the children who exploited them are convicted, the future of the children is assured.

“The eldest, nindot kaayo ang nahitabo niya. We are assured that the facility will see them through until they can find jobs.. Dunay track record nga makapa-graduate sila,” she said.

Last month, the prosecution team presented in court their last witness, a computer forensics expert from the United States (US).

Magpale said she hoped that the Cordova couple who exploited their own children would be convicted for what they did.

Last Tuesday, a group headed by Terre des Hommes Netherlands held a People’s Walk to end child cyber pornography. The activity was held to mark the Cebu-wide Day to End Child Pornography. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus