THE proliferation of cyberpornography in Cebu despite the best efforts of law enforcers is an “act of scandal” that should be stamped out by the Church and the government.
“I’m just wondering why some are into this kind of business. Is it family necessity? They should remember (first to) to protect their children and remain in a state of grace,” said Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal in an interview.
Vidal called on the clergy to intensify catechistic instructions at the barangay level”.
Last week, a task force “rescued” 13 children suspected of being victims of cyberporn, and arrested two women s on human trafficking charges in Cordova town.
Parents who visited their children at the office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last Saturday were asked to come back with birth certificates and other documentary proof of identity.
The children remain in custody of the DSWD.
“Murag wala ray nahitabo sa ilaha (It seemed that nothing happened to them) I think they are happy where they are now and their parents understand that,” social worker Shalaine Lucero said.
“We explained to them why we are doing this. We assured them that they have nothing to worry about. We told them that we are greatly concerned if these children are really involved in cyberpornography,” Lucero said.
At present, the children aged three to 11 years old, are undergoing group sessions in the DSWD center.
Lucero said they haven’t displayed any signs of psychological withdrawal so far.
Vidal said the Church should intensify its catechism to remind people of Christan values.
“We’re trying our best to evangelize them and instill in them the fear of God,” he said.
The cardinal said cyberpornography would incite people “to commit sin.”
“That’s scandal. Our evangelization should reach down to the last people in the barrios,” he said.
Vidal said the Cebu provincial government may need to provide more livelihood opportunities for residents in Cordova to turn them away from cyberpornography. Reporters Ador Vincent Mayol and Joy Cherry S. Quito