Marcos emotional about sexual abuse, child exploitation

Unable to contain his emotions, President Marcos vowed that the government would do better to address what he called the “dark reality”: many Filipino youth have fallen victim to online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC).

Marcos said this while gracing the ‘Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon’ Summit 2024 in Makati City on Monday, September 16.

During his speech, the President could not hold back his tears as he heard the story of an OSAEC survivor, while the Philippines is known worldwide as home to the “biggest caregivers” of foreign children.

“That we allow this to happen in our country brings to me an overwhelming sense of shame, because we are in government, in public service, and we are not doing enough. We need to do more,” he said.

“This strikes at the heart of our society. It undermines the foundations of what we are, who we are, as a people,” he added.

According to the president, behind the heat lies a “dark reality” in which half a million Filipinos, or one in every 100 Filipinos, have become victims.

“It’s a terrible statistic. We can’t let this continue. We won’t let this continue,” he said.

“This is a terrible plague of online child sexual abuse or exploitation, which is still widespread in our country today,” he added.

The president’s voice took on a hint of anger as he pointed out that most perpetrators of child abuse and exploitation are their family members.

“Their smiles, their brave smiles, their innocent smiles hide a pain that is the shame of our country,” Marcos said.

“A sad reality is that many perpetrators are the families or relatives of the victims – the very people we expect to care for them,” he added.

President Marcos, on the other hand, expressed his admiration for the victims and survivors of OSAEC.

“To the victims and survivors, your stories continue to push us in the right direction. Your extraordinary courage motivates us to do better,” he said, assuring them that the government will do better to give them a better chance at life.

Government efforts

Marcos listed some of the measures the government has taken to address the problem and stressed that his administration will do everything possible to put an end to OSAEC.

“We will do everything we can to combat these heinous crimes against our children,” he said.

“This is a battle we must not lose and we will not lose,” he added.

Last month, President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 67, which created the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) to protect children from physical and mental stress.

In his speech, Marcos said the POCP is a crucial step in the government’s fight against this crisis. It will serve as the “epicenter” of efforts, marshaling resources and strategies to ensure that every child in the country is protected and supported.

Further evidence of the government’s “undying commitment” to ending child abuse and exploitation, he added, is the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) rescue of over 1,099 victims of human trafficking and OSAEC and the arrest of over 100 suspects between 2022 and July 2024.

“If that’s the number we’ve captured, if that’s the number of children we’ve rescued, I can’t help but think: how many are still at large?” Marcos said.

“That’s not the majority of victims, that’s not the majority of perpetrators. And we need to do more,” he added.

“We are fully committed to protecting our children, the most vulnerable members of our society. It is our highest priority to protect our innocent, perfect little beings who are being hurt for money by the people they trust,” he continued.

President Marcos urged the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Health (DOH), Justice (DOJ), Education (DepEd), and Interior and Local Government (DILG) to continue developing training programs to ensure that law enforcement agencies, the Prosecutor’s Office, social workers, teachers and other officials are well equipped to handle these cases.

“Let us stand by our duty to protect innocent children who have no power to defend themselves and whom only we can help,” he said.

“Strengthen our criminal justice system so that all perpetrators of these heinous crimes are put behind bars and made to pay for what they have done. And everyone should think not just twice, but 100 times before committing this abuse again,” he added.

Marcos then urged local authorities to use their knowledge and experience to ensure that no child falls victim to OSAEC.

“Let’s make the Philippines the worst place for those who abuse and exploit children,” he said.

We are steadfast in our commitment to providing services that help victims move forward, such as therapy.

Community participation

President Marcos urged the people to help the government in the fight against OSAEC, saying they should not worry about the consequences for children before taking action.

“We may not know them. We may not be related to them. But they are all our children. They are Filipinos,” he said.

“This government urges you to be suspicious and vigilant and to report even the smallest signs of abuse,” he added.

The President urged the public to call the Makabata helpline 1383 as one call can save one child.