To mark its 11th anniversary this Saturday (October 22), the investigative journalism program Brigada hosted by Kara David presents an in-depth report on the case of sexual abuse among minors. Joining David in this special episode is John Consulta.
According to CAMELEON Association Philippines, an estimated seven million young people fall victim to sexual abuse in the country yearly.
Among them was the then 6-year-old “Lara” who endured six years of sexual assault from his father’s friend whom they considered as family. There are also cases of foreigners entering the country with the alleged intention of molesting minors. Just last month, a British national was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for allegedly engaging in acts related to child pornography.
In Catanduanes, a Dutch national was arrested this month for overstaying. Apparently, he is also facing multiple cases related to allegedly molesting young men in Davao City where he used to stay.
David and Consulta will also investigate why sexual abuse happens despite our existing laws, and how victims can recover and find justice.
11 years of ‘Brigada’
David has been the host of Brigada since 2019. She was also part of the then Brigada Siete where she had her first break as a reporter.
“Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na maging junior reporter ng programa na kinabibilangan ng magagaling na reporter. Ma’am Jessica Soho was our senior reporter. Kaya noon pa man, malaking karangalan na sa akin na mapabilang sa programang Brigada Siete,” David shared.
The show was later on rebranded as Brigada.
“I’m very happy and very grateful na umabot ng 11 years ang Brigada. I also feel very humbled kasi si Ma’am Jessica Soho ang dating host ng show na ito. Someone who I look up to,” David shared. “Kaya nang ako ang maging host ng Brigada in 2019, sobrang laking karangalan. Somehow it gives me validation that I’m on the right path. I will be forever grateful sa Brigada kasi this is where I started at sila ang unang programang nagtiwala sa aking kakayahan.”
David also acknowledged the people behind the Brigada team.
“Thankful [ako] sa staff na bumubuo ng programa, grabe ang hirap na binubuhos nila with every segment. Hangga’t marami pang isyu na kailangan talakayin, mga mata at isipan na dapat mulatin, mga problema na dapat mabigyan ng pansin, patuloy ang misyon ng programang Brigada,” she ends.
At the 2020 New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition, Brigada won a Bronze World Medal in the History & Society category for its “Aeta Squadron/Female Spies” episode.
This year, David was hailed as the “Best TV Program Host” at the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society’s Gandingan Awards. Brigada’s “Millennial Vote” episode, likewise, won the “Most Development-oriented Magazine Program” award.
Brigada’s special report on sexual abuse among minors airs tomorrow night at 9:45 on GTV.