CHILD abuse remains persistent in Western Visayas. Recent data from the Philippine National Police shows the severity of the problem: in 2024 alone, there were 1,203 cases of violence against women and children in the region, along with 282 cases involving children in conflict with the law (CICL) and 200 cases of children at risk. These figures—totaling 1,685 incidents—need sustained action from both government agencies and the broader community.
We have long had laws designed to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Chief among them is Republic Act (RA) No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, which provides stiff penalties for offenders and outlines measures for child welfare and rehabilitation. However, the rising number of cases suggests that enforcement remains inconsistent, and many victims still fall through the cracks.
While RA 7610 and related laws such as RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) and RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act) provide a strong legal framework, the Western Visayas experience highlights key areas where improvements are needed. Many child abuse cases go unreported or remain unresolved due to slow judicial processes and a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies. Victims and their families often face bureaucratic hurdles, discouraging them from seeking justice.
Also, while the Balay Dalayunan in Iloilo City and Bahay Pag-asa in Iloilo Province serve as shelters for CICLs, overcrowding and limited resources hinder their effectiveness in rehabilitating abused children and juvenile offenders. The Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth and the Home for Girls under the Department of Social Welfare and Development also struggle with funding and manpower issues. And yes, many cases of child abuse stem from parental neglect, poverty, and even mental health issues among parents, yet community-level intervention remains weak. The stigma surrounding child abuse further discourages victims from speaking out.
How do we address these? Without a doubt, there must be faster case resolution and strict enforcement of child protection laws. Specialized child protection units in the police force may be expanded, and prosecutors handling child abuse cases should receive additional support to prevent delays.
Also, local governments could allocate more resources to improve facilities like Bahay Pag-asa and Balay Dalayunan, ensuring that children in conflict with the law receive proper rehabilitation instead of being treated as criminals. And why not establish more halfway houses for abuse victims? But most important of all, awareness campaigns should educate parents and the community at large on responsible childcare.
Laws like RA 7610 provide a strong foundation, but without consistent enforcement, proper funding and community involvement, they will remain mere words on paper. The welfare of children must not be treated as a secondary concern — it is a responsibility that demands the full commitment. Only then can we truly have a safer and more just society for our most vulnerable citizens.
