Palace urges ‘sex for pass’ victims to surface and file complaints

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is calling on the victims of the alleged “sex for pass” scheme at quarantine control points to step forward and file charges against policemen who abuse sex workers.

“Kinakailangan ‘yung pito na sinasabing naging biktima ng sex for pass, kinakailangan lumantad po kayo, magreklamo,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised Palace briefing Thursday.

(The seven supposed victims of sex for pass scheme must show up and file the complaints.)

But should they fear for their safety, Roque, a former human rights lawyer, said the victims may go to his office for assistance or approach the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center.

“Kung kayo po ay natatakot pumunta po kayo dito sa aking tanggapan. O ‘di naman po kayo doon sa women’s and children’s desk na meron po tayo sa lahat po ng istasyon ng mga pulis,” the Palace official said.

(If you’re afraid, you can pay a visit to my office or go to the women’s and children’s desk at police stations.)

PNP Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier said he would ask the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to look into the reported abuse against sex workers at quarantine control points manned by the police.

He also assured the confidentiality of the victims’ identity in trying the administrative cases of the policemen.