Online Exploitation of Minors Tops Trafficking Cases in Region

The online sexual exploitation of minors is the most common trafficking in person case in Davao Region.

Alma D. Acera, project development officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-XI and a member of the Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking-XI (IACAT-XI) says that IACAT responded to 244 individuals who were victims of online sexual exploitation from the period 2015 to July 2018.

“For 2018 alone, January to September 2018 we already have 25 new cases,” Acera said.

Forced labor is also another common trafficking-in-person case in the region.

Old and new cases served by IACAT in the region totaled to 55 individuals. There were also 20 children in new cases (served in 2018).

Acera said Davao City has the highest number of TIP cases in the region.

Online sexual exploitation of children involves minors being used in online pornography like taking of explicit sexual photos, videos of children which are sold on the internet.

Acera cited a recent rescue conducted in July of this year where they rescued a one-year old child. Apart from its rescue activities, the IACAT is also stepping up its information and awareness campaign to help stop these cases of trafficking.

The IACAT is celebrating the International Day Against Trafficking from November 14 to December 12. (PIA/RG Alama)