By DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

A public outcry over Facebook groups being used to broker commercial sex, including with minors, has ignited calls for Bohol Capitol officials to confront a worsening digital exploitation crisis in the province.

An advocacy Facebook page “Kai’s Kloset” this week published a direct appeal to Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yarp after documenting a public group where users, some claiming to be as young as 15, advertised sexual services and adult men solicited meetups.

“What alarmed me the most is that there are people here LOOKING FOR YOUNG GIRLS. 15 YEAR OLDS,” the post said, sharing screenshots on Facebook. 

The post showed services categorized by price “class,” from P500 and up. “Grown, adult men are commenting for meetups.”

The citizen journalist warned the group was not unique, claiming, “THERE ARE MORE PAGES LIKE THIS, MANY BASED ON BOHOL.”

The incident spotlights the persistent, and increasingly digital, challenge of sexual exploitation in the Philippines. 

While illegal, prostitution is widespread, often linked to poverty and limited livelihood options in provinces like Bohol.

A major tourist destination famous for its beaches and geological wonders, Bohol has long dealt with the shadow economy of sex work catering to both locals and visitors. 

Provincial health officials have repeatedly cited rising HIV/AIDS cases, a national trend associated with unprotected transactional sex.

The migration of these activities to public social media platforms is seen as a dangerous escalation, making recruitment and solicitation more brazen and accessible.

“Why is nobody calling this out?” the “Kai’s Kloset” post asked, linking the online trade to broader societal harm. “The HIV cases in our province is already rising, pedophilia is being normalized.”

As of Friday, Mayor Yarp’s office had not issued a public statement. 

A request for comment from the Tagbilaran City government was not immediately returned.

The outcry post has ignited discussion online, moving beyond morality to demand concrete economic and social solutions from Bohol provincial leaders.

“SOMETIMES MODERN PROBLEMS DOESN’T REQUIRE MODERN SOLUTIONS,” the post argued, concluding with a direct plea to officials: “OPEN MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES. FIX THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK APPLICATIONS… PROTECT CHILDREN.”

Since the 2025 HIV outbreak in Bohol, provincial officials led by Governor Aris Aumentado have not made any specific action plan to address the problem. 

The Bohol Provincial Health Office (PHO) earlier confirmed that HIV cases have been logged in every municipality and the city in the province, indicating the infection’s widespread reach.

PHO representative Ma. Cristina Estomago acknowledged public problem over a “sharp spike” in cases. “Every town and the city already have cases logged,” Estomago said. “No municipality has been spared.”

Data from January to November 2025 shows several new cases were recorded. 

The areas with the highest number of cases are the towns of Ubay, Panglao, Tubigon, and Talibon, along with Tagbilaran City.

Currently, only Panglao and Tagbilaran City host HIV treatment hubs where those who test positive can receive antiretroviral therapy (ART).

PHO said that this lifelong treatment is provided to all confirmed patients.

The health office urged the public to avoid risky behaviors and take responsibility for their health.

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the body’s immune system. 

Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which can result in severe health complications.