OFWs warned: Porn materials in laptops, cell phones banned in Australia

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz

MANILA, Philippines—Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz warned all overseas Filipino workers bound for Australia against pornographic materials, including those stored in laptops and cellphones,  saying this is a serious offense under the Australian federal and state criminal law.

Baldoz issued the warning after Australia-based Labor Attache Jalilo Dela Torre reported that three OFWs found in possession of child pornographic materials on their cellphones and laptops had been arrested by the Australian Customs and Border Protection authorities during the first quarter of 2012.

“Another OFW has been arrested in Western Australia this week. He is presently detained and awaiting trial,” Dela Torre said in his report to Baldoz.

“Australia is very serious in protecting itself from these illegal offensive materials that those who attempt to bring these goods into Australia face investigation, prosecution and penalties, including jail time,” Baldoz said in a statement.

“The law also prohibits pornographic materials in CD and DVD form,” she added.

According to Baldoz, the maximum penalty for such offense is $275,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment. Any OFW caught and convicted with such prohibited material may also be banned from ever coming back to Australia to work.

Baldoz said it is important for OFWs going to Australia to be aware of immigration laws to avoid problems with authorities.

She advised OFWs never to download anything from the Internet which could be considered child pornography, and to delete such material if they happen to receive such prohibited material through MMS or email because mere possession of such is already considered an offense under Australia law.

She said she already instructed the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to intensify information dissemination efforts to inform recruitment agencies deploying workers to Australia on its child pornography law and the repercussions of violating this law.

“I have directed POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Chief Carmelita Dimzon to include this in the conduct of their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars,” Baldoz said.