PLDT Group said Thursday it blocked 83,000 attempts to access illegal child-related content and exploitation materials in January 2026, down 50 percent from the same period in 2025.
It said that by the end of January, the number of blacklisted URLs and illicit online child-related content identified by PLDT and Smart had grown to 2 million since the 2021 launch of the group’s Child Protection Platform.
The company said it continues to monitor digital spaces to prevent the spread of images depicting online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize their role in providing a safe digital space that allows children to grow and pursue their passions,” PLDT and Smart first vice president and head of public engagement Roby Alampay said.
He said the group’s pioneering blocking tool has empowered them to clamp down on the accessibility of such materials.
Beyond its internal platforms, PLDT Enterprise supports the Council for the Welfare of Children’s MAKABATA Helpline 1383.
The central reporting system received over 1,000 reports in 2024 involving sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, allowing for coordination with local authorities.
In 2025, PLDT Enterprise teamed up with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Fire Protection to launch Unified 911.
Hosted on the ePLDT Pilipinas Cloud, the system integrates voice, digital and video reporting with GPS tracking to accelerate emergency response.
Alampay said technology alone is not the solution. “But we go beyond technology in protecting children. We work with parents, schools, communities and government to raise awareness on OSAEC and collaborate with partners who champion children’s rights and safety,” he said.
The group’s efforts come amid congressional discussions regarding limits on gadget use for children. PLDT officials underscored the need for a balanced approach that combines digital literacy, parental guidance and technological safeguards.
“Technology — when guided by proper safeguards and responsible use — empowers young Filipinos to learn, build skills and reach their full potential,” Alampay said.
