Marcos urges public vigilance against child abuse and exploitation

President Ferdinand Marcos called on the public to remain vigilant and proactively report cases of child abuse.

In a recent speech at the Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Summit, President Marcos reiterated his call on citizens to help protect children, echoing sentiments from his State of the Nation Address.

“This government is asking our communities to be suspicious, to be vigilant and to report even the slightest suspicion of abuse,” Mr Marcos said.

“Let us not close our eyes to abuses, because inaction allows evil to continue,” he added.

President Marcos stressed the importance of the Makabata helpline, which provides a way to report child exploitation.

“One call to the Makabata helpline 1383 can save one child,” he said, urging citizens to take action.

The president also touched on the resilience of victims of abuse in his remarks, saying they continue to inspire the government’s efforts.

President Marcos stressed the importance of putting child safety at the forefront of government efforts.

“What we’re trying to do here is save the child, save that life. That should always be our first consideration,” he said.

He stressed the government’s commitment to provide therapy and reintegration programs for victims through partnerships between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and organizations like the International Justice Mission (IJM).

“Let us build a world where justice and compassion prevail, and the safety and dignity of every child are ensured,” said President Marcos.