Cyber child porn rising in Cebu says NGOs

ANOTHER form of sexual exploitation of children is growing  in Cebu due to the popularity of the  Internet  even in the poorest communities, warned non-government organizations.

Children’s Legal Bureau executive director Joan Saniel said official data on children trapped in cyber child porn are still lacking, but trends show that more Filipino children are forced to perform sexual acts in front of the webcam while their clients, are usually western pedophiles.

Child rights advocates  launched last  Monday a public awareness campaign called “Sugbo! Lihok Batok sa Pornograpiya: Cebu-wide Day to End Child Pornography”.

The campaign culminates on August 1, in a gathering at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, according to a press statement.

“Cyber child porn has become more aggressive,” said Telay Echano, country coordinator of the Terres des Hommes, an international children’s aid organization.  Some families see it as a  an easy way out of poverty.

Middlemen  of  pedophiles have targeted parents, who because of easy money, let their own children and children from their community perform sexual acts in front of the webcam for as much as P300 or 6 Euros a day.

The Cebu Provincial Board and the Cebu City Council have expressed support for  the campaign.

“The psychological damage to children who are exploited in this way is very serious. Children are traumatized severely. Parents are not aware of that. Educating communities is very important,” said Echano.

Pamela Uy, Bidlisiw deputy executive director, said working together would help everyone see the warning signs at once.

Foremost of these signs is letting a child pose nude in front of the webcam.

“Most children rarely report their cases. Some are afraid while others, both children and their families, do not know that they are already being exploited,” said Jonna Bonilla-Nunez, Forge-Rescue Project Coordinator.