CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- To combat the growing threat of online child exploitation, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking (RIACAT) and Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) is intensifying its efforts, urging vigilance among internet users.

During the recent RIACAT and VAWC meeting from  March 20 to 22, Col. Lemuel B. Gonda, Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) chief, emphasized the importance of exercising caution online. "Think before you click," he stressed, highlighting the need for "zero trust" when it comes to sharing personal information or sending money online.

"Whenever anybody would ask for money or any personal information, either online or offline, magduda na kayo. You verify it first, even online, kasi ang online too good to be true," he said.  

(Whenever someone asks for money or personal information, whether online or offline, it's important to be skeptical. Verify the request first, especially online, because online offers can often seem too good to be true.)

Gonda also underscored the prevalence of cybercrime globally, noting its evolution to include online child pornography, even in advanced nations like the United States, France, and Australia, where incidents have been on the rise since the turn of the millennium.

As part of their concerted efforts, SSgt. Idy Ann Flor Aca-ac, head of the Women and Children Protection Section of RACU-10, introduced the member agencies of RIACAT-VAWC-10 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a leading international group in reporting cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Aca-ac provided insights into the alarming statistics, revealing that in 2023 alone, there were reported cases of trafficking in persons, violence against women and their children, and violence against children. Additionally, RACU-10 has documented gender-based violence cases under RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009) and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act).

Furthermore, Aca-ac detailed five cases under RA 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act), prompting rescue operations in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon areas. This legislation aims to shield children from all forms of online abuse or exploitation, encompassing various mediums and methods.

Capt. Princess Velarde of the PNP-10 Women and Children Protection Desk echoed the urgency of addressing violations under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 , which remained the top reported case from 2019 to 2023. The previous year saw a significant number of cases recorded, including rape, acts of lasciviousness, concubinage, and instances of sexual harassment.

Responding to VAWC andOSAEC cases

To combat online child exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of children in the region, Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin, the Chief GAD Specialist at the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) North Mindanao Field Office, provided updates on the RIACAT-VAWC one-stop shop Women and Children Protection Center, located at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC).

Launched in November 2021, during the 18-day campaign to end VAW celebration, the one-stop shop Women and Children Protection Center was made possible through a signed memorandum of understanding among the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PNP, NMMC, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Balaod Mindanaw as a legal resource.

The center's primary function and responsibility include the provision of immediate and synchronized assistance to victims of trafficking in persons, OSAEC, and anti-gender-based violence in just one location.

"The one-stop shop Women and Children Protection Center is the establishment of an efficient mechanism in the collection and recording of comprehensive and accurate incident data and evidence without re-traumatizing the victim or undue exposure to risks or threats," Calingin said.

The one-stop shop would include coordinated and comprehensive individual case management, psychosocial and medical treatment, rehabilitation, follow-through interventions, and a monitoring system.

DSWD reports that in 2023, the department served 44 clients under the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) in the region. Clients include victims of OSAEC, Children in Armed Conflict, or CIAC, sexual exploitation, illegal recruitment, and prostitution. (SAYU/PIA-10)