(File photo) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The local government of Navotas has adopted the hotline service Makabata Helpline 1383 to help residents report cases of bullying, rape, and mental health concerns among children. 

This is following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Navotas City government and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) last April 22, in a shared commitment to build a more child-friendly community. 

“Our city treasures its young population. Through the Makabata 1383, we encourage people, especially the youth, to report instances of child abuse and violence, and help to immediately resolve these cases,” said Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco. 

Through this partnership, the CWC intends to widen the reach and maximize the use of the hotline service to cater to more Filipino children and their families. 

Related story: 

Empowering girls: Ending violence, promoting bodily autonomy thru MAKABATA Helpline 1383

The Makabata Helpline was launched in November 2023 to provide for a reliable reporting system for child-related concerns, particularly violence and abuse. 

The use of this helpline is complemented by the regular submission of Child-friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) from the 145 cities and 1,489 municipalities across the country to further advance child rights. This is being overseen by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile stressed the importance of calling for a whole-of-goverment approach to intensify efforts against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) as well as child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM). 

Aside from the Makabata Helpline 1383, the following hotline services are made accessible to strengthen enforcement, awareness, and reporting against perpetrators: 

• Philippine National Police (PNP) Patrol: 911
• Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT): 1343
• PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG): (02) 8723-0401 ext. 7494; +639270843792
• Department of Justice - Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC): (02) 8524-8216
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): (02) 8523-8231 to 38 local 3454 to 3455
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Psychosocial Support Hotline: (02) 8931-9141;
  DSWD: Text DSWD<space> blockchildporn <space> URL address and send to 2327; or Text blockchildporn <space> URL address and send to 0918-912-2813

(JMP/PIA-NCR)