IJM supports the government’s intensified efforts against OSAEC

INTERNATIONAL Justice Mission (IJM) strongly supports the intensified initiatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC).

Abalos has directed local government units (LGUs) to enact Anti-OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) ordinances aimed at enhancing the protection of children. This action is a crucial response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts at all levels of government to address this pressing concern.

Marcos, among other things, directed the DILG to include these ordinances in the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).

IJM commended this directive, stating that the inclusion of important child protection measures in the CFLGA ensures that LGUs are held accountable for the safety and welfare of children in their jurisdiction.

Marcos’ concern over the alarming rise in OSAEC and CSAEM cases underscores the urgency of the problem. Republic Act 11930, also known as the “Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act,” provides a robust legal framework for the protection of children from all forms of sexual violence, particularly those perpetrated through information and communications technology.

IJM said Abalos’ leadership in ensuring the full implementation of this law at the local level is a critical step in translating legislative intent into concrete action. It added that Abalos’ recent strong call for the public to report these heinous crimes to law enforcement is essential to breaking the silence that has long shielded perpetrators from accountability.

Despite being a widespread and insidious crime, OSAEC remains grossly underreported due to a pervasive culture of silence within our communities. Encouraging the public to come forward and report these crimes is an important step toward ending this scourge, IJM said.

Since 2011, IJM has been working to support the Philippine criminal justice system in bringing OSAEC victims to safety and ensuring that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable. It said that in this fight against OSAEC, collaboration is key.

IJM is committed to working with the DILG, LGUs and other stakeholders to ensure that Marcos’ directives are fully implemented and our children are protected.

“Together, we can create a safer environment where children are protected and justice prevails,” the statement said. (PR)