18,756 reports of child rights violations were recorded by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in 2023, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said.
On October 31, the CWC and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted their advocacy to end all forms of violence against children for the 32nd National Children’s Month (NCM) this November.
According to Tapales, out of the over 18,000 reports, around 17,000 of those were violence against children, specifically, rape and acts of lasciviousness. It has been among the top three violations recorded among the youth since 2016.
“Dyan sa number na yan, 17,304 reports ay violence against children or yung child abuse na tinatawag natin, rape at acts of lasciviousness. Since 2016 ay ito na ang top three na violation sa mga bata,” Tapales highlighted.
To aid in the protection of children this children’s month, the CWC is gearing up for several activities in support of children, youth leaders, and advocates. But, aside from the scheduled events, the CWC will also launch the 4th National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), featuring a multi-sectoral, rights-based approach aimed at “advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation across the Philippines.”
To further uphold the rights of children, the Tapales also called to strengthen the approach to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
The CWC is an attached DSWD agency tasked to formulate policies for children and youth below 18 years old.
For reports on abuse and child rights violations, the public is encouraged to call the Makabata Helpline 1383.
