President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) to address the rising issue of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the Philippines.
Marcos highlighted the profound effect of OSAEC on the core values and wellbeing of every community in the country, noting that nearly half a million Filipino children have been affected by this problem.
“Many of these victims live within our midst, and several may even be the sons, daughters, and neighbors of those we know, while the perpetrators are the victims’ families or relatives who are expected to care for them," Marcos said during his speech at the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon Summit 2024” on Monday.
The President shared that he became emotional while listening to the harrowing story of an OSAEC victim and the pain she experienced. He added that these accounts of other children's suffering prompted him to demand greater action from the government.
In response to the critical need for a unified approach to OSAEC, Marcos initiated the creation of POCP to centralize efforts, resources, and strategies aimed at safeguarding and supporting every child in the country.
“The POCP will serve as the epicenter of our efforts, bringing together resources and strategies to ensure that every child in our country is protected and supported,” said Marcos.
According to records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), 1,099 victims were rescued across 237 operations. Additionally, 138 suspects were apprehended, 139 cases were initiated, and 41 offenders were convicted.
President Marcos cited the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 as important legislative measures designed to ensure the relentless prosecution of perpetrators.
