File photo shows students, teachers and government officials at the Safer Internet Day orientation in Pasay City, an activity that aims to educate and empower young internet users amid the growing incidents of cybercrime and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (INQUIRER / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
The Philippines is considered a hotspot for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM).
“The Philippines is not a safe haven for people who abuse and exploit children. This is the absolute worst place for you, and we will make sure you know it,” Marcos said, as quoted by Palace Briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez on Wednesday.
According to the Palace, Marcos ordered all government agencies to put child safety at the forefront of policies.
“Ang ating Pangulo, ang sabi niya kahapon ano, napakasama nitong krimen na ito. This is the worst of all crimes dahil ito’y laban sa mga bata,” said Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. in the same Palace briefing.
(Our President said that this is the worst crime because it is committed against children.)
Abalos said that different government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development and others are collaborating to combat OSAEC AND CSAEM.
The President previously met with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos and other officials to discuss the country’s fight against online child abuse.