Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The fight against sexual abuse of minors, pornography, and pedophilia is still far from being over in the Philippines. After an increase in public and international awareness, the House of Representatives recently passed a law that severely punishes child pornography, pedophilia, and seducers of children over the Internet, however all of society should show a greater responsibility and dignity, restricting and denouncing the people involved in such terrible affairs.
The Catholic Church, which is always on the front-line in defending the rights of minors, is doing her part in an awareness campaign which will be geared mainly at Catholic schools. “They have the task of educating the consciences of the youth and warning them of the dangers of people who can take advantage of them,” Bishop Deogracias Iniguez of Kalookan, Presidnet of the Commission for Public Affairs, in the Filipino Bishops' Conference, told Agenzia Fides.
Catholic Schools play a central role in forming children and making them understand that child pornography is a crime against humanity, creating awareness among them as they are potential victims.
The Bishops' Commission for Youth Ministry also announced a series of activities and seminars it will hold in Catholic schools, to join in the fight against pedophilia.
Among the Filipino Catholic organizations most active in this area is PREDA, founded and directed by Columban Missionary Fr. Shay Cullen. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2009)
