The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) highlighted the alarming number of arrests and detentions among Filipino seafarers related to child pornography and sexual violence.
In a news release on Tuesday, October 29, the DMW advised all licensed local manning agencies deploying Filipino seafarers, to strengthen their pre-departure orientation seminars and incorporate modules on the issues concerning child pornography and other sex-related offenses. This was due to the increasing number of arrests among Filipino seafarers working onboard cruise ships in the United States due to their involvement with child exploitation.
“The DMW is an active member of the IACAT and we do not tolerate any forms of exploitation of children, much especially if the circumstances involve our Filipino seafarers,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
Advisory No. 33, Series of 2024 orders all concerned local manning agencies to take into account the Republic Act (RA) No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Materials (CSAEM) Act. Its main goal is directed at the protection of every child from all forms of abuse or exploitation, by holding perpetrators accountable for unlawful or prohibited acts.
Prohibited or unlawful acts under Section 4 of RA 11930 include the following:
- To willfully subscribe, join, donate to, or support internet sites that host OSAEC or
- Streaming or live-streaming of child sexual abuse and exploitation
- To possess any form of CSAEM
- To willfully access any form of CSAEM
Moreover, the advisory highlighted that the United States federal and state laws criminalize the production or promotion of child pornography and prosecute individuals who possess, view, transport, and distribute child pornography, even if committed within private areas.
Any form of sexual violence towards minors is considered a felony under US law and is punishable by years of imprisonment and hefty fines.
“All manning agencies and principals are directed to cooperate with law enforcement authorities that are investigating allegations of child pornography and other sex-related offenses,” the DMW stressed.
“Likewise, to ensure (the) provision of competent legal assistance and representation during (the) search, arrest, custodial investigation, and preliminary hearings to their accused seafarers,” it added.
The department urged all Filipino seafarers to uphold the “highest ethical manner” during their employment and avoid situations that may lead to the commission of sexual violence through subscription, possession, viewing, distribution, and selling that perpetuate the exploitation of children.
All concerned manning agencies must submit their compliance reports to the DMW within 30 days of the Advisory’s issuance.
