‘Stop child sex tourism’ – DoT Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Boracay is a popular destination for tourists. The Department of Tourism calls for an end on child sex exploitation throughout the country / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

Tourism officer Artemio Ticar said the Department of Tourism (DoT) and local officials will continue to develop Boracay Island more of family-oriented destination for foreign and local tourists.

Amid reports of sex trafficking in the island, Ticar said, “hindi ganoon ka-rampant ang child sex tourism dito , hindi katulad sa ibang tourist destinations na halos lantaran ang ginagawa ng child sex tourists (sex tourism is not rampant in Boracay, unlike in other tourist destinations frequented by child sex tourists).” 

“May kababaihang dayo dito sa Boracay na galing sa ibang probinsya na dala ng mga turista ang sinasabing engaged sila sa sex tourism. Sa totoo lang, walang taga Boracay na involved mismo sa sex trafficking.”

Ticar also cited the efforts and awareness campaigns of Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DoH) and the non-government organizations to combat sex trafficking of children and young women in the island.

“Mababa ang kaso ng sex trafficking dito sa isla sapagkat ang mga kapulisan natin, pati na ang mga NGOs at resorts ay aware sila na hindi dapat magkaroon ng ganitong activities sa isla na nakakasira sa imahe ng Boracay,” he stressed. 

“Dapat paigtingin ang coordination ng DSWD, rural health units at PNP. Sila ang kumikilos para mabantayan ang sex trafficking. Kung meron man dito sa Boracay, ito ay halos patago at hindi bulgar.”

Last month, policemen of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center undergo training on Tourism Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOP COP) to provide a safe and secure environment for tourists. 

“Me trainings tayo sa mga pulis, isa sa mga topics na binigay namin ay ang sex tourism na hindi dapat mangyari sa Boracay,” Ticar added.