‘Pangga’ app facilitates trafficking?

CEBU, Philippines - A new mobile application is making waves for its ability to bring together single individuals seeking companionship in life.

But it has also alarmed some government officials who are concerned such app may be exploited by some individuals and used to perpetuate crimes like human trafficking.

The Capitol’s Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) expressed “doubt” over the app, which enables its user to “hire” a female or male escort who can assume or portray “roles.”

The new locally-developed app is dubbed as “Pangga,” which allows single men and women to “rent” someone who can serve their “companion” in various occasions.  Its developers are based in Taguig City in Metro Manila.

But while the app is still available in Manila, Cebu Vice Governor and PWC head Agnes Magpale said it is worth looking into.

Magpale, a top advocate for women and children, said the app might be used to exploit women and children, as well as men.

She said some women are even using Facebook to sell or market themselves.

“Kadto kay klaro man gud kay it’s cyberpornography. Kini kay under the guise of something legitimate,” she said, adding that the National Bureau of Investigation is doing surveillance on social media sites that have been allegedly used as new platforms to exploit people.

The “companion-for-hire” will portray the role of a pretend-boyfriend or -girlfriend, depending on the client’s situation.

“Pangga enables millennials to avail a friend for hire or companionship service in order to improve relational skills and build a healthy self-esteem,” reads its description on Google Play Store, Google's official source for android apps and downloads.

Pangga is a Visayan term of endearment. It is used to address someone whom a person loves and is similar to “dear,” “honey,” and “sweetheart,” among others.

Only users above 18 years old can use the app and avail of its services.

The Pangga app is available on Google Play since June this year. It is free but is still in its “unreleased” format, meaning the app is still unstable and is not incompatible with various devices.

As of yesterday, both their Facebook page and website (www.panggaforhire.com) were down.

Pangga has three basic categories. The first category requires the companion to be “active,” meaning he or she must accompany the client during his or her lifestyle activities like physical fitness programs.

Second is “local guide,” who will accompany the client to her place of choice; and third is “heart to heart chat,” which is intended for those who want someone to talk to.

The fourth unspecified category states that “if you need someone to portray a specific role for you or you’re just curious about Pangga, tell us and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. However, this is subject for approval by the company.”

Physical interaction between the client and pangga are limited to “hand holding and massage, watching movies, playing cards, taking selfies together and the like.”

On the other hand, kissing, akbay (putting one's arm over the shoulders of another) and other “unwelcome behaviors” are not allowed. (FREEMAN)