A citizens advocacy group has issued an urgent call against the alarming rise of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) in the country, underscoring the urgency of stronger enforcement, greater public awareness, and a whole-of-society approach to tackling these crimes.
In a statement, CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Kit Belmonte said: “Every child has the right to a safe childhood—a childhood free from fear, from exploitation, and from harm.”
“OSAEC and CSAEM are not just crimes that must be prosecuted; they are moral failures that must be confronted with urgency and unwavering resolve,” he added.
According to the International Justice Mission, at least 500,000 minors in the country have fallen victim to OSAEC and CSAEM.
Belmonte warned that the real figures may be even higher due to rampant underreporting and lack of awareness.
CitizenWatch lauded the shift in this year’s Safer Internet Day theme to “Digital Bayanihan, Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online,” recognizing the importance of a united front in safeguarding children in the digital space. Belmonte emphasized that while telcos and digital platforms like Globe, PLDT, and Google have made strides in blocking illicit content, more must be done.
“We cannot allow the internet to be weaponized against our children. We need tighter regulation of digital platforms, stronger international cooperation to dismantle syndicates, and intensified efforts to educate parents and children alike,” Belmonte said.
CitizenWatch Philippines is pushing for full enforcement of existing laws such as Republic Act 11930, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and the Anti-Child Pornography Act.
But Belmonte stressed that legal frameworks alone are not enough and stressed the vital role of telecommunications companies and internet providers in blocking websites with child abuse materials and educating consumers in responsible internet use, scams and cybercrimes.
“This fight is not just for lawmakers, enforcers, or tech giants—it is a fight for our youth — the future of our nation. Parents must be the first line of defense. Schools must integrate digital literacy into curricula. Tech companies must continuously refine their safeguards. And every citizen must refuse to turn a blind eye,” he said