The Child Rights Center of the Commission on Human Rights (CRC-CHRP) is mandated by the 1987 Constitution and domestic laws, to monitor the status and well-being of Filipino children. This year, the CRC-CHRP has identified to focus specifically on children who have been subjected to online sexual abuse and exploitation. This aims to fulfill the CRC-CHRP’s constitutional and legislative obligations, in response to the severity of the problem.

The enactment of RA 11930, also known as the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act,” along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, has significantly strengthened collective efforts to reduce OSAEC cases in recent years. However, the path toward a Philippine society that is free from sexual violence—where every child lives with dignity and universally enjoys their fundamental rights—remains challenging.

Sexual violence against children knows no boundaries; it can occur anywhere and anytime. Often, it thrives in the places that should be safe for children – their homes and within their communities. As of 2023, the Philippines is considered the leading source of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) globally. A recent report reveals that 80% of Filipino children are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation online, with the most susceptible being those living on the margins. Reported cases indicate that parents or guardians often facilitate the production of CSAEM, selling it to predators and pedophiles in exchange for financial gain. Poverty is usually the primary driver behind OSAEC offenses, yet, other factors exacerbate the crime, such as lack of parental supervision, English language literacy, well-established financial institutions, the absence of perceived harm on OSAEC offenses, and cultural norms. Ending OSAEC in our country requires multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary interventions, a mission entrusted to government agencies, duty bearers, internet intermediaries, the private sector, child advocates, human rights champions, community leaders, parents, and guardians.

Let us work collectively to create a safer and better online space for every Filipino child.