Cordova mayor on cybersex: Cut money trail

CORDOVA Mayor Adelino Sitoy reiterated his call to investigate money transfer shops that cater to cyber pornography money in his town during yesterday’s hearing on the issue by the Provincial Board (PB).

He described the raid last month in sitio Sung-ok, barangay Ibabao as “half-baked” because agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the United States Homeland Security should have included the “channel of the operations.”

“The performers will collect the money first before doing the actual show. We should first stop its source,” he said.

Sitoy attended the PB session with Ibabao barangay captain Chito Bentazal.

Also in attendance  were Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Provincial Director Patrocinio Comendador, acting Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Provincial Director Jerome Gonzales and OIC Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) head Evelyn Senajon.

Sitoy said money transfer shops in Cordova should be regulated. The local government unit should be given powers to inquire into the nature of their transactions.

“We have to question why these people are receiving these big amounts? The money conduit should be held liable if they fail to be diligent with the issue,” he said.

“We will argue with them (money transfer owners) in the courts with the case but in every raid, they should be included,” he added.

However, PB  Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. said Sitoy’s suggestion could require passing of a national law and further complicate rescue operations in the area.

He said the municipality should instead issue a local ordinance regarding the proposed regulation.

TRAFFICKING CASES

In a report to the PB, Comendador said the police has recorded cases of child trafficking and cyberporn operations in majority of Cebu’s towns and cities.

He said reports have occurred in Dumanjug, Cordova, Pinamungahan, Balamban, Toledo, Daanbantayan, Bogo, Consolacion, Minglanilla and Argao from 2008 to present.

Among the occurences, Cordova got the highest with 11 arrests, with three involving cyber pornography, said Comendador.

Sitoy questioned the concentration of the police authorities raids in Cordova when the illegal online trade also exists in other areas.

Meanwhile, Bentazal said the barangay has not failed to remind its residents of the evils of cyberpornography.

“As to the extent of our power, we have a hard time because we can’t just barge inside their houses,” he said.

VALUES FORMATION

According to Senajon, the cybersex operations in the area is interconnected with the community’s involvement with illegal gambling and prohibited drugs.

She said the Provincial Women’s Commission and PSWDO will concentrate its efforts on values formation starting with a teambuilding activity with the barangay’s officials.

Senajon said they have already tapped the services of the Department of Education (Deped) and the Deparment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for education and employment opportunities of people in the affected sitio.

“They can enroll in the Alternative Learning System so that they will have jobs,” she said.

Sitoy added that they’ve also called helped from the Catholic church through the town’s parish for help.

PWC will also realign its funds for development projects in the area after its final planning on July 24, 25 and 26, said Senajon. /Peter L. Romanillos, Correspondent