Global group takes lid off online sexual abuse of Filipino kids

 

Filipino kids are highly vulnerable to online sexual abuse (IJM photo for illustration only)

Nearly 500,000 Filipino children became victims of online sexual exploitation last year alone, while a quarter of a million adult Filipinos were found to be behind the dastardly crime.

These shocking statistics were shared by global organization, International Justice Mission, during a briefing session with a number of Hong Kong executives on Nov. 21,  to raise awareness about its work in the Philippines.

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IJM executives led by its CEO and founder, Gary Haugen, explained how they tap the help of local authorities in 16 countries to rescue and rehabilitate survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and help strengthen public justice systems so they can better protect people from violence.

Through such work, IJM has not only stopped the abuse of a number of young people, but also helped in the successful prosecution of a number of offenders.

IJM CEO Gary Haugen with IJM Philippines' Samson Inocencio at  HK briefing

Consider these:  A 32-year-old woman in Davao City was arrested for offering to sexually abuse not only her six-year-old son, but also a one-year-old girl, for profit. 

The Davao City Regional Trial Court subsequently sentenced the woman last month to four life sentences, and ordered her to pay Php 6 million in fines and Php1.5 million in moral, civil and exemplary damages.

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In another case just three months earlier, police in the Philippines rescued four young children who were used by their own parents in livestreamed child sexual abuse. The children – a nine-year-old girl, a six-year-old boy, and two-year-old twins – were siblings. 

The children have been placed in the care of social workers who will help them heal from the traumatic experience, while their parents face charges of human trafficking, child abuse, cybercrime, and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

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In both cases, IJM provided technical and legal support during the investigation and was consulted by government prosecutors during the early stages of the trial in Davao.

Lawyer and IJM Cebu Director Lucille Dejito who was among those consulted in the case said severe punishments will help intensify deterrence for the crime, but it is equally important for people in the community to be vigilant and active in reporting cases of online sexual abuse to authorities.

HK executives were all ears during the compelling IJM presentation

In 2016, IJM focused on combating online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines, in particular the trafficking of children to create new child sexual abuse materials, including via livestreaming.

As a result of this work, IJM said there has been a dramatic drop in the number of incidents of sex trafficking of children in bars and brothels across the Philippines, reaching a high range of 72% to 86% in cities where it partnered with local authorities.

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As of 26 October 2023, Philippine authorities, supported by IJM and other groups committed to stopping the nefarious trade, have brought 1,198 children to safety and arrested 372 suspected perpetrators, with at least 212 traffickers now convicted.

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But given the big number of children who continue to be drawn into the sex trafficking ring, more work needs to be done, and IJM through its Hong Kong office, is looking at raising greater awareness of its work, and to establish partnerships with various groups and individuals to attain its mission.

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Click on this link to learn more: https://ijmhk.org/en/our-work/online-sexual-exploitation-of-children/

(In the Philippines, reports about online child sexual exploitation may be directed to the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center at 0966-725-5961 (Globe) and 0919-777-7377 (Smart))

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Filipina DH rescued from apartment fire in Tuen Mun

 

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Black smoke billowed from the burning flat while embers fell on the street below
(TheStandard photo)

Police have confirmed that a foreign domestic worker rescued from a burning flat in Yau Oi Estate, Oi Tak House in Tuen Mun on Friday is a Filipina.

A police spokesperson said the 35-year-old Filipina was found inside the apartment after firefighters were alerted at 10:44 am that day. She was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and discharged.

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Other reports said a man was also treated for smoke inhalation on site but did not require hospitalization.

The police could not immediately confirm reports that the man had helped drag the Filipina from the burning flat as she became immobile from shock.

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Some reports said the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen, and spread quickly, with dark smoke billowing and embers falling to the street below.

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Police said the fire was put out after a few minutes. Its cause is still being investigated.

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PathFinders ‘Child Ambassador’ talks of special bond with ‘aunties’

Russell Webb with Baby Jazlin and her mother, who were helped by PathFinders

Hong Kong professional rugby player Russell Webb, who has become PathFinders’ first Child Ambassador, cites his special relationship with his two “aunties,” or migrant domestic workers who helped rear him, as one of the reasons he wants to give back to the community.

Webb was appointed Child Ambassador earlier this year to help awareness for PathFinders’ work for the migrant worker communities.

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"It's still a bit surreal when I get invited to give back as a Child Ambassador," said  Webb. "As cliche as it sounds, I was once one of these 'kids'. I understand the importance of a role model, to have someone to look up to. If I can positively impact one child, I'll be very happy."

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"The MDW community is special to me. I have a unique relationship with Blandy and Charit, who are motherly and sisterly figures moulded into one. Growing up, I went to them for advice. They took me to training, cooked for me, helped me with homework and school projects. I owe a lot of my upbringing - and sporting success - to them. They taught me work ethics and respect," said Russell.

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PathFinders' chief executive officer Catherine Gurtin said of Webb’s appointment, "Russell is a superstar on and off the pitch. He is a key member of the HK7s rugby squad who took gold at the recent 2023 Asian Games. Off the pitch, Russell’s extensive experience working with children and young people to encourage them to shine and reach their full potential made him the perfect choice to be our first Child Ambassador.”

"Children sit at the heart of everything we do at PathFinders. All children matter, including the children born to migrant mothers in HK. No child should be without an identity, food, shelter, access to education and healthcare," said Gurtin.

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“As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection and respect of children born to migrant mothers in Hong Kong."

In a recent visit to PathFinders, Russell took the opportunity to meet and speak with some of the migrant mothers  and children the group serves, to better understand the challenges they encountered and how PathFinders has supported them.

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Among the children who recently got help from PathFinders was Baby Jazleen who stayed at their shelter while her mother processed all the papers she needed to be able to fly back to the Philippines. Both mom and baby have recently flown home.

Another was Baby Hamizan whose mother, a recognizance paper holder, was provided health care as this was not available to someone with her visa status. Both mother and child are now staying at PathFinders’ shelter, and should be on their way home soon.

Webb and Baby Hamizan

"To be able to see firsthand the impact of what PathFinders does was eye-opening and heartfelt," said Russell. "These women are so strong and brave. It's such a difficult time for them. They feel so alone, as the fathers are usually nowhere to be seen. Some of them have also lost their jobs and even became homeless as they have either been fired or asked to leave. The babies are just adorable. Why shouldn't these babies get the opportunities and fair starts in life?" 

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Since 2008, PathFinders has helped over 10,500 mothers and children find a path to a brighter future. To find out more about PathFinders visit www.pathfinders.org.hk.

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Asylum seeker could only cite state-inflicted torture, says High Court

 

High Court says an asylum seeker must prove that the risk of torture is state-instigated

Proving the possibility of torture by someone, including close family members, is not enough for one to succeed in pursuing a claim for non-refoulement or against being sent back home, according to the High Court.

There should also be proof that the risk of torture is inflicted or instigated by a public official or a person acting in an official capacity.

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The ruling was reiterated yesterday, Nov. 23 in the case of Filipina J.A. Pascua who claimed she was at the risk of being tortured or killed by her husband’s brothers if she returned home, due to political rivalry between their families.

In rejecting her application for a judicial review of the decision by the Torture Claims Appeal Board/ Non-refoulement Claims Petition Office denying her claim for non-refoulement, the High Court recorder said private individuals were behind the possible torture she could be subjected to, meaning she has the option of seeking protection from the Philippine government.

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Alternatively, she could avoid the risk of harm by relocating to cities like Manila or Cebu, said the High Court.

Pascua was a former domestic worker in Hong Kong who came as a visitor the last time she entered on January 10, 2010 and did not leave after 14 days. On September 20, 2017, or more than seven years after overstaying her visa, she surrendered to Immigration authorities.

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On Oct 26, 2017 she filed a claim for non-refoulement, saying that if she was sent back home, she would be kidnapped, tortured, raped or even killed by her husband’s brothers.

The applicant said that her mother was elected as barangay captain for Lakas-CMD party in 1994. In 2003 Pascua got pregnant with a man whose father was running for the same post as a candidate of the rival Liberal Party.

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While living with her husband, the applicant said she kept being threatened by her husband’s five brothers who wanted her to tell her mother to step down from her post. She told her husband about the harassments but he did not do anything to stop them so she came to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper.

On Dec. 11, 2009 the applicant returned to the Philippines but had a conflict with her husband after she refused to have sexual relationship with him. She returned to Hong Kong for a second time, and felt compelled to seek protection in Hong Kong, claiming that the harassments from her husband’s family continued.

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After hearing her testimony about her torture claim, the Board accepted her accounts of the past events. In particular, the Board accepted the applicant’s evidence on her family’s background, including her mother’s position, her husband’s family background, the conflicts between their families, and even the brothers’ harassments of her.

However, the Board decided to affirm the Immigration Director’s decision that the claimed risk of harm was low, that state protection was available to her, as well as internal relocation in the Philippines.

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As a result, Pascua asked for a judicial review of the Board’s decision, claiming it was unfair, unreasonable or irrational as it was based on procedural errors or unfairness.

But the High Court rejected these claims, saying that while the Board accepted the applicant’s claims as facts, it nevertheless ruled that she was unable to prove that she would be subject to real risks under the Refugee Convention and the provisions of the Immigration and Bill of Rights Ordinance if she returned to the Philippines.

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Leaders’ training on promoting overseas voting and registration set

 

All Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong are invited to a full-day training session on promoting overseas voting and registration on Dec. 3, 8:30am to 5:00pm at Sheraton Hong Kong, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Registration for new or delisted voters for the next national election in the Philippines is ongoing, and will continue until Sept. 30, 2024.

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New voters are those who have never voted in Hong Kong and will be here on the next mid-term elections in May 2025. Previously registered voters who failed to vote in the last two previous elections are de-registered, and must register again.

Those who wish to join the training are asked to register and view the program of the event by scanning the QR code in the attached poster.

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Applicants who succeed in getting a slot shall be informed by the secretariat. Only confirmed registrants shall be allowed in the venue.

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For details, call the Philippine Consulate at 2823 8503.

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