(30 Aug 1997) English/Nat
The Philippines and Britain signed two agreements on Saturday on fighting child abuse – particularly by British paedophiles on sex tours.
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook conveyed his country’s support in fighting crime against children when he visited a home for street children in the capital Manila.
Cook is in the Philippines as part of his four-country Asian tour.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Robin Cook met some of Manila’s street children on Saturday – laughing and joking with them – and shaking their hands.
Cook arrived in Manila on Friday night – part of his tour of four Asian countries.
These children are the lucky ones – they’ve been rescued from the streets and now live in this special home.
They treated the minister to a pertinent performance.
The lyrics of the song went "children have human rights too" – a message Robin Cook said he fully understood and supported.
He assured the children the British government would extend full cooperation with the Philippine government in fighting crimes committed against children and women.
That comes through the signing on Saturday of two bilateral agreements aimed at stamping out child abuse and organised sex tours.
One agreement is between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the British government for a joint training programme aimed at boosting the police’s capability in fighting such crimes.
Two of three foreigners convicted for child abuse in the Philippines are British.
Michael Clarke was sent to jail for organising sex tours and Steven Mitchell was convicted for sexual activities with small boys.
Cook said his government was committed in helping local authorities stop these illegal activities.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We’re determined that there will not be a tourist trade in the exploitation of children and that’s why actually we did cooperate with the local police authorities to make sure we could bring justice to those who commit offences."
SUPER CAPTION: Robin Cook, British Foreign Secretary
The United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) estimates there are at least 60-thousand child prostitutes in the Philippines.
P-N-P chief General Recaredo Sarmiento said he and his officers would make sure nothing was spared in fighting crime against children.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I want to assure everybody (of the) Philippine National Police commitment to see to it that results will be produced. Not only to our mutual satisfaction but to the more important, safety of our women and children.
SUPER CAPTION: General Recaredo Sarmiento, Chief of Philippine National Police
After his visit with the children, Cook met Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon.
The foreign ministers signed a "Memorandum of Understanding on Combating Child Abuse".
The agreement covers intelligence exchange, operational cooperation, training, support and information sharing.
Later on Saturday, Cook was received by President Fidel Ramos at the presidential palace.
He will also meet with Defence Secretary Renato de Villa before addressing a business forum.
Cook leaves on Sunday morning for Singapore.
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