At least 17,600 children suffered violence and abuse in 2023, says PNP

INQUIRER files

MANILA, Philippines — Government recorded at least 17,600 child abuse cases in 2023, reveals Council for the Welfare of Children Executive Director Angelo Tapeles on Thursday.

Tapeles said majority of these cases violated Republic Act (RA) Number 7610 or ‘Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.’

He is citing data from Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP WCPC),

“Nung 2023 po, batay sa datos ng PNP WCPC, mayroon pong 17,681 VAC (violence against children) cases,” he reported on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

(In 2023, based on the data of PNP WCPC, there are 17,681 VAC cases.)

Tapeles noted by the third quarter of 2023, there are at least 1,000 children who were victims of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children.

“Mga 300 plus ang kanilang kinakasuhan ngayon po,” he said.

(There are 300 plus cases filed now.)

However, the center lacks data on the conviction rate for perpetrators.