2 Yolanda-stricken cities to adopt Cebu’s anti-child sex tourism ordinance

Two cities that were hit the hardest by supertyphoon Yolanda will be using as reference the proposed Anti-Child Sex Tourism ordinance of the Cebu provincial government to combat human trafficking in their areas.

Romina Sta. Clara, project coordinator of the Victim-Oriented Counter-Trafficking Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said Tacloban and Ormoc cities are working to adopt the ordinance authored by Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

The  ordinance requires staffers of hotels and resorts to alert authorities on the presence of foreigners checking into their establishments in the company of minors. Sta. Clara said natural calamities often result in the dislocation of families.

“And in turn, these people become vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and promises of a good life,” she said during a project meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol last Wednesday.

The IOM, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), seeks to raise public awareness on the menace of human trafficking.

Good practices

They also help victims seek assistance from groups and government agencies.

Sta. Clara said Cebu has been very active in the fight against human trafficking, adding that other LGUs can be inspired by its good practices.

According to the draft Anti-Child Sex Tourim Ordinance, establishments should “notify or submit a written report on guests checking in or staying with minors” to the Women and Children’s Protection Desks (WCPD) of the local police.

Establishments are also required to make available copies of security camera footage to law enforcement units investigating a suspected child abuse or human trafficking case.

Other areas like Ormoc and Tacloban don’t have an existing ordinance mandating hotels and resorts to report these cases, Sta. Clara said.