CHR calls on concerned gov't agencies to probe online pranks promoting sexual exploitation

The Commission on Human Rights on Saturday called on relevant government agencies to look into possible cultural and social rights violations by some content creators' pranks promoting sexual abuse and exploitation.

In a statement, the CHR particularly called on the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to investigate possible violations of pertinent laws by online contents being passed off as "humor to mask attempts to demean, assault, and abuse others through unwarranted sexual advances."

CHR's executive director Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia also said that "businesses as well -- including social media platforms -- have an obligation to prevent the perpetuation of rights violations by refusing to be accessories of harm and indignity by tolerating such contents.

De Guia denounced the acts of some content creators whose online content allegedly involved sexual abuse and exploitation, including catcalling and unsolicited kisses, saying these were "gravely disturbing."

"The CHR finds it gravely disturbing that, in pursuit of clout and increased engagement, some content creators would resort in pranks that violate a number of human rights, including right to privacy, security, and safety, especially of women and members of the LGBTQIA community," she pointed.

De Guia said that in some videos captured from hidden cameras, content creators would set up certain situations in public spaces where men would lay their heads on women’s laps, holding their hands out of nowhere, catcall them, and solicit kisses, citing a number of made-up reasons.

The CHR cited the Republic Act (RA) No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) Section 4 of RA 11313 stating that the “crimes of gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment are committed through any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks.”

These are crimes with penalties of fine and/or arrests, it said.

The Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women meanwhile has a provision on the non-discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of women in media and film to help instill respect and recognition of the inherent dignity of women among the general public.

"As such, CHR reminds everyone that one cannot exercise their rights at the expense of other people’s rights. Individuals have the obligation to respect and uphold the rights pf others," the rights body said.

Also, the CHR has made similar calls on some businesses selling shirts depicting sexual objectification of women and the existence of online groups preying on children. —LBG, GMA News