Save the Children Philippines supports President Marcos Jr., campaign against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children
Save the Children Philippines lauds President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call for the intensified campaign against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and proliferation of child sexual abuse or exploitation of materials (CSAEM).
“We are one with the President and the nation in addressing this silent pandemic that has affected and stolen the future of millions of children in the Philippines,” Save the Children Philippines CEO Atty. Alberto T. Muyot said.
“The sentiments of President Marcos Jr., on the alarming cases of OSAEC-CSAEM involving children, and data from the 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children where one of two children is a victim of violence online, often facilitated by biological parents and relatives, compel us to ensure that we take on a whole of community approach to put an end to it,” he added.
Save the Children has been working with children, the government, and our multi-sector partners to raise awareness and strengthen the capacity of children, youth, and other stakeholders in OSAEC-CSAEM protection and prevention.
Notably, the organization’s advocacy efforts contributed to the passage of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law in 2022 and its implementing rules and regulations. Our OSAEC prevention programs and advocacy led to the passage of the Anti-OSAEC Ordinances in the cities of Tagum, General Santos, and Iligan.
Continuing its commitment, Save the Children pledges ongoing support for the government’s efforts in implementing the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law, including strengthening child protection mechanisms to protect children from all forms of violence and abuse both online and offline.
“We call on our local government units, law enforcement, members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and relevant agencies, as well as the communities, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM policies and programs are implemented, and services are made available so children are protected at all times,” Atty. Muyot said.
