QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 287)
It was issued by the President (Fidel V. Ramos) “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,” directing specified agencies to act as stated in the Memorandum Order.
The Memorandum Order directs (1) the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), (2) the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), (3) all concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), and (4) the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The DFA is directed to coordinate efforts with the foreign governments concerned to curtail the alleged nefarious activities of foreign nationals in the country.
DSWD must extend all possible assistance to victims of sexual trafficking and prostitution and to provide for their eventual rehabilitation.
LGUs must exercise their authority/power to clamp down on prostitution within their jurisdiction and to close establishments being used in sex tours or as fronts of prostitution.
The PNP is directed to immediately investigate and apprehend any Filipino and/or foreign nationals involved in said sex tours.
It cites recent discussions on sexual exploitation showing alleged involvement of foreigners in sex trafficking/prostitution of Filipino women and children, particularly in Angeles City; it also alleges foreigners own and operate bars and hotels catering to foreigners on sex tours.
While it emphasizes foreign involvement, it also directs PNP to apprehend any Filipino and/or foreign nationals involved in the sex tours.
It alleges that certain foreign nationals own and operate numerous bars and hotels that cater to foreigners on sex tours; it also directs LGUs to close establishments used in sex tours or as fronts of prostitution.
It aims to protect Filipino women and children from the social menace and curb sexual trafficking of foreigners in the country, including strengthening victims’ ethical and spiritual values.
It notes the need to devise viable economic alternatives to wean victims away from prostitution, and it directs DSWD toward assistance and eventual rehabilitation.
It imposes an urgency and affirmative duty on PNP to conduct investigations and perform arrests/apprehensions for persons involved, including both Filipino and foreign nationals.
It assigns different functions to DFA (international coordination), DSWD (victim support and rehabilitation), LGUs (local enforcement and closures), and PNP (investigation and apprehension), reflecting a coordinated government response.
LGUs are tasked to clamp down on prostitution within their jurisdiction and close establishments; PNP is tasked to investigate and apprehend individuals involved in the sex tours.
Because the alleged conduct involves foreign nationals operating establishments and participating in sex tours, coordination with foreign governments may help curtail activities, share information, and support accountability consistent with international relationships.
It was adopted on 05 July 1995 by President Fidel V. Ramos, with certification/signature by the Executive Secretary Ruben D. Torres.