SEN. SHERWIN Gatchalian on Sunday called on the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police to intensify their probe on the alleged involvement of some students in the sex trade business.

The senator cited reports of The Philippine Online Student Tambayan that students held a “Christmas sale” of sensual photos and videos to raise funds.

“Nakababahala dahil sa mga suliraning idinudulot ng pandemya, ang ating mga kabataan ay nahaharap sa matinding panganib na maging biktima ng pang-aabuso at karahasan. Pinagsasamantalahan ng mga masasamang-loob ang pangangailangan ng ating mga mag-aaral at dapat itong labanan ng ating pamahalaan,” Gatchalian said.

The POST reported that some students use #AlterPH, #AlterPinay, and #AlterPhilippines on Twitter to sell their photos and videos to earn money to buy gadgets for their siblings and pay for internet bills.

A Christmas bundle, which contains an array of photos and videos that sometimes reveal the face of sellers, is sold for as low P150.

Gatchalian called on the Department of Education to boost its child protection program. He said that the child protection committees in schools are mandated to identify learners who may be experiencing abuse and exploitation.

CPCs are also expected to report cases of exploitation to government agencies and non-government organizations, he said.

The senator earlier filed Senate Bill 1794 which seeks to authorize regional trial courts to direct law enforcers to conduct surveillance and record communications and information involving persons charged with or suspected of trafficking.

The measure also mandates internet service providers to install available technology, program, or software to block and filter access to any form of child pornography.

Gatchalian also filed Senate Bill 735 or the Human Trafficking Preventive Education Program Act, which seeks to orient Filipino children and youth about their rights, government protection measures, and the dangers posed by different forms of trafficking.