President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Monday led the campaign to combat the proliferation of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), emphasizing its impact on the heart and foundations of every community in the Philippines.
In his speech during the Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang OSAEC Ngayon Summit 2024, President Marcos cited that nearly half a million Filipinos children have been victimized by OSAEC.
“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,” he added.
“We are here today to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. The challenges that we face in government are always the challenges that are brought to us by the future. And what exemplifies our future more, what symbolizes our future more than our children? And that is why this strikes at the very heart of our society. It undermines the foundations of what we are, of who we are as a people,” President Marcos said.
“In every community that is alive with the laughter and the chatter of children, there is a dark reality— where half a million Filipino, 1 in every 100 Filipinos has been victimized. It is an appalling statistic. We cannot allow this to continue. We will not allow it to continue. It is the horrible scourge of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children or OSAEC, which remains widespread now in our country,” he added.
Recognizing the need to take massive action against OSAEC, the Chief Executive created the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP), which will serve as the epicenter of all efforts, resources, and strategies to ensure that every child in the country is protected and supported.
“As this is a battle that we must not lose and we will not lose, this Administration created the Presidential Office for Child Protection or POCP, which is a critical step in our fight against this crisis,” the President announced.
“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,” he added.
President Marcos pointed out the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 as legislative strides that focus on the relentless pursuit of bringing perpetrators to justice.
“On the legislative side, such as the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act as well as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, also underscore our relentless pursuit to bring these perpetrators to justice,” the President said. PND
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