Title
Investigation of foreign sex tours in PH
Law
Memorandum Order No. 287
Decision Date
Jul 5, 1995
To combat sex trafficking and prostitution in the Philippines, Memorandum Order No. 287 directs government agencies to coordinate efforts, provide assistance to victims, involve local authorities, and enforce the law against Filipino and foreign nationals involved in sex tours.

Purpose and policy direction

  • The order directs government action to address the alleged operation of sex tours in the country by foreign nationals.
  • The order emphasizes protection of Filipino women and children from the “social menace” of sexual exploitation.
  • The order directs efforts to curb the sexual trafficking of foreigners in the country.
  • The order directs attention to strengthening the ethical and spiritual values of victims and devising viable economic alternatives to move victims away from prostitution.

Conference findings and factual basis

  • The order cites a Conference on Sexual Exploitation held in Quezon City as examining alleged involvement of foreigners in sex trafficking and prostitution of Filipino women and children, particularly in Angeles City.
  • The order alleges that certain foreign nationals own and operate numerous bars and hotels that cater to foreigners on sex tours in the country.
  • The order frames the response as an urgent need to suppress the alleged activities described.

DFA coordination with foreign governments

  • The order directs the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to coordinate efforts with the foreign governments concerned.
  • The coordination is aimed at curtailing the “nefarious activities” of foreign nationals in the country.

DSWD assistance and rehabilitation

  • The order directs the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend all possible assistance to victims of sexual trafficking and prostitution.
  • The assistance is directed toward the eventual rehabilitation of such victims.

LGU enforcement against prostitution

  • The order directs all concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) to exercise their authority/power to clamp down on prostitution within their jurisdiction.
  • The order directs LGUs to close establishments being used in sex tours or as fronts of prostitution.

PNP investigation and apprehension

  • The order directs the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately investigate the sex tour allegations.
  • The order directs the PNP to apprehend any Filipino and/or foreign nationals involved in the sex tours.

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