THE brutal murder of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, 26, a transgender person, in a hotel in Olongapo City near Subic Bay Freeport, last Oct. 11, 2014, allegedly by US serviceman Pvt. 1st Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marine Corps, who has been charged by the police, highlights the ever growing presence of the government-approved and -protected sex tourism in the Philippines.

While the fate of “Jennifer” is deplored by all who respect the dignity and right to life of all human beings we must not think this is an isolated crime. We must not forget the estimated 100,000 under age children that are abused, trafficked, sold and sexually exploited in the sex clubs, bars, brothels and beach resorts all over the country.