Trigger warning: This story mentions cases of sexual abuse, violence against children
Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the recent case of a 10-month-old infant, who has fallen victim to online sexual abuse and exploitation in the hands of the child’s mother.
“As a mother, it breaks my heart to know that an innocent child was abused and mistreated in exchange for money,” she said in a statement released Monday, February 17.
The National Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) arrested a woman, alias Marian, and three cohorts on February 6, 2025, for sexually exploiting eight minors, including her four daughters—the youngest being a 10-month-old baby.
The operation began when authorities uncovered that the suspects used Facebook and WhatsApp to conduct live sexual shows and produce child sexual abuse materials for a fee.
Hontiveros commended the NBI-HTRAD for arresting the perpetrators and thanked the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) for its dedication to ensuring justice in the case.
Despite her role in authoring the Anti-OSAEC Law, she expressed disappointment that its implementation has not effectively prevented such crimes.
“The implementation of the measure does not seem to proactively protect children from this unspeakable violence. I cannot help but think that we are not doing enough,” Hontiveros said.
In response to the incident, the senator announced her intention to initiate a Senate inquiry into the case and examine new trends in online child exploitation.
She has also filed a resolution in the Senate to investigate the broader issue of online sex crimes involving children.
Hontiveros stressed the need to hold internet service providers, e-wallet companies, and remittance centers accountable if they contributed to the proliferation of OSAEC.
The Anti-OSAEC Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 11930, was enacted to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines.
The law outlines strict measures to prevent and penalize these crimes, including stronger law enforcement efforts and victim support programs.
“We need to strengthen our whole-of-nation approach to this unfortunate and complicated issue. Our children should not and should never be for sale,” she concluded.