Chief Inspector Sotera Macatangay, head of the Women and Children Complaints
Office, said the victims are reluctant to complain because they are threatened
by their molesters.
"They are children, so they are easily intimidated and don't have the courage
to report the crime to their parents or guardians," Macatangay said.
She said fear and humiliation prevent the victims from reporting the crime.
She noted that the proliferation of pornographic videos and even tabloids,
which are readily available, contributes to sexual abuse.
Macatangay said people can also search the Internet for sites that offer
pornography.
So the problem must be dealt with to prevent it from becoming more serious. Her
office has been coordinating with the Optical Media Board to help crack down on
pirated VCDs and DVDs.
As for the tabloids that publish explicit photos of naked women and even sexual
acts, Macatangay said her group is already on the trail of the financiers and
it will be only a matter of time before they can unmask them.
Only one documented rape case has been blamed on pornographic materials, but
Macatangay believes many cases have not been reported to authorities.
The rampant production and selling of pirated optical media and smut tabloids
have become a worrisome problem.
Despite the efforts of local and national government officials, pirated VCDs
and DVDs are still openly sold in shopping centers and department stores in
Metro Manila.
In Manila pirated optical media and pornographic tabloids flourish,
particularly in Quiapo.
