Bishop rings alarm on rising sex tourism in Palawan

MANILA, April 29, 2014— A Catholic bishop has called for an action over increasing sex tourism in one of the country’s alternative summer destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Despite the positive impact of the thriving tourism industry, Palawan faces an increasingly serious child exploitation and sex tourism problem, Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro Arigo said.

He called on all organs of the government to be more vigilant and address the growing problem. According to him, this is not a problem in Palawan only, but in the whole country.

“As much as possible, especially here in Palawan where ecotourism is very popular, let’s keep tourism wholesome, healthy and clean,” Arigo said.

The bishop urged authorities to show their determination to crack down on sex tourism, which has emerged as an alarming trend in the area.

“Let’s keep eco-tourism as what it is and not by adding immoral and malice practices,” Arigo said.

Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines, but thrives in many parts of the country popular with foreign tourists and reportedly one of the most popular destinations for sex tourism in the world.

The United Nations estimates 100,000 children in the Philippines work in the sex trade each year. (CBCPNews)