BELMONTE, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS NAGKAISA VS ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

Bilang tugon sa nakaaalarmang pagdami ng bilang ng kaso ng online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) sa Pilipinas, nakiisa ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Quezon City sa Mission Alliance Philippines (MAP), Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), Philippine Children’s Ministries Network (PCMN), Plan International Pilipinas at Royal Norwegian Embassy sa Maynila upang magsagawa ng Anti-OSAEC conference sa Novotel Manila.

Ayon sa MAP ang Pilipinas ay pumaimbulog bilang hotspot o nangunguna sa buong mundo sa mga bansang may mga kaso ng OSAEC. Base sa 2020 national study sa OSAEC ang Pilipinas ay may 80% ng mga batang Pilipino na vulnerable sa online sexual abuse.

Samantalang base sa 2022 Disrupting Harm Study na isinagawa ng UNICEF, ECPAT International at Interpol, lumilitaw na nasa 20% ng mga kabataang Pinoy na gumagamit ng internet na nagkakaedad  12-17 ay naging biktima ng  OSAEC na kumakatawan sa 2 milyong mga bata.

“Combating child abuse and exploitation has been a challenge for the government, especially with the emergence of technology. We, the Quezon City Government, are grateful for this partnership led by Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Lyster. Together, we can minimize the cases of, if not end, Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and protect our youth,” ayon kay Mayor Belmonte.

“The Philippines is a hotspot for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Norway, through the Nordic Police Liaison Office, works closely with Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat OSAEC. Investigation and prosecution are not enough. We must create awareness on this challenging problem to prevent victims from being abused,” giit naman ni Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Lyster.