An Australian national is under arrest in the Philippines after he was caught taking several underage young girls on an island-hopping trip.
The 45-year old male was stopped at Hagnaya Port in San Remigio in north Cebu last Tuesday by tourist authorities after officers noticed he was accompanied by six female minors aged 15 to 17.
According to the teenagers – who are not related to him- they were about to travel to Bantayan Island on a daytrip.
The Australia, who had been staying in a Cebu hotel, admitted that he had a close relationship with another minor, but that individual was not on the trip.
Authorities swooped to charge him with violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, which targets sex tourists.
Further investigation revealed that the foreigner had a prior record of victimizing minors in Cebu City, local media reported.
The man also failed to provide his passport to officials when he was asked for it.
He is now in police custody, with a formal complaint already submitted to the court.
An Australian national is under arrest in the Philippines after he was caught taking several underage young girls on an island-hopping trip
The Australian national was stopped by tourist police at Hagnaya Port in San Remigio last Tuesday after officers noticed he was accompanied by six female minors aged 15 to 17
Filipino laws strictly prohibit adults from bringing minors on such trips, especially if they are not relatives.
The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) interviewed the minors, who claimed they had only accompanied him to experience the islands.
The minors have been turned over from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) to the DSWD Regional Office for proper intervention and care, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The San Remigio Police Station and the Cebu Provincial Police Office continue to remind the public to stay alert and report any activities that may place minors at risk.
‘This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from potential exploitation,’ said Police Colonel Jovito Atanacio, Provincial Director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office.
‘Our police personnel remain steadfast in enforcing laws that safeguard minors.
‘We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar cases.
‘The Cebu Police Provincial Office is committed to upholding the welfare and safety of our youth and the entire community.’
