PH NEEDS TO REGISTER CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS, LIKE MEGAN’S LAW

“Nagiging haven na tayo ng mga convicted sex offenders” Investigative Journalist Ben Tulfo said in his daily news and analysis program, BITAG Live.

Back in 2009, a special investigative team of BITAG also called as BITAG ride along team flew to America to study the law enforcement style of police officers in America.

“Malimit po kaming pumunta ng Estados Unidos upang pag-aralan ang estilo at pamamaraan ng law enforcement, makita ang kaibihan ng pulis sa America at mga kapulisan dito sa Pilipinas sa pagpapatupad ng batas” Tulfo explained.

According to the host, BITAG’s exposure and one on one experience with dedicated police officers in America made them realize the difference on how America and Philippines enforces laws and regulations.

During the program, Mr. Ben Tulfo was particular on the issues of convicted foreign sex offenders that stay in the Philippines.

“Maraming mga sex offenders na sistensyado sa ibang bansa, na nanawa na sila kaya dito sila pumupunta sa banasa natin. Ang problema, ang sabi sa amin ng isang detective noon sa America, ‘as long as they stay in the Philippines, that’s okay’” Tulfo said.

“Ibig sabihin, basta’t nasa Pilipinas sila… okay lang kasi at least hindi na namin minomonitor“ Tulfo added.

The journalist also said that it’s high time that the Philippines adapt a legislation done and practiced in United States, known to many as “Megan’s Law,”

Megan’s Law is a federal law in United States that “requires the release of relevant information to protect the public from sexually violent offenders.”

During his news and analysis program, Mr. Ben Tulfo explained how Megan’s Law works:

“Mayroon silang ginagawa kung saan yung mga sex offenders are asked to report five days before your birthday sa pinakamalapit na presinto para i-report ang mga aktibidades nila, lalong lalo na kung nasaan sila, para rin mamonitor ng kapulisan and movements nila”

“May mga random visit ang mga detectives sa bahay nila para makita kung sila ba ay bumibisita sa mga pornographics sites, upang makita kung lumalayo ba sila sa mga temptation. Tinitingan at binabantayan kung saan sila nakatira, kung sila ba ay exposed sa isang neighbourhood na may mga kabataan at mga bata – yan ay sa pamamagitan ng Megan’s Law”

Hence, the host emphasized the importance of the role of our lawmakers in fighting sexual exploitation and abuse caused by sex offenders.

BITAG, throughout the years has been an active anti-crime advocate, besides its applauded public service programs, BITAG also works hand in hand with several lawmakers translating problematic realities into a laws and legislations that will solidify the protection of the public.

“20 years ago, anti-crime na ang BITAG, maliban pa ‘yan sa ginagawa naming public service, inaasahan naming na pagtitibayin pa ng mga kongerista ang mga House Bill na ginagawa nila para sa mga sex offenders” Tulfo said.