BY DANIE MAE FAJARDO-DELA CRUZ
MANILA – The recent launch of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, is being hailed as a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against such crime.
“We are pleased that the government prioritizes this. It has actively engaged civil society and even children themselves in shaping how the law will be enforced,” said Romeo Dongeto, Convenor of the Child Rights Network.
Ranging from effective reporting to robust international cooperation, the IRR launched on May 18 lays out guidelines and mechanisms to combat OSAEC.
The IRR also establishes the National Coordination Center against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) under the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). It will craft programs to address OSAEC and CSAEM.
“Data shows an alarming surge in OSAEC-related reports, particularly at the height of the (coronavirus) pandemic,” said Dongeto.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council documented a significant rise in suspicious financial transactions linked to online sexual abuse, he revealed.
The IRR covers the duties and responsibilities of the private sector, especially internet intermediaries and internet service providers, down to internet hotspots, cafes, or kiosks.
It also lists key instrumentalities in fighting OSAEC, including financial investigation of perpetrators, blacklisting of aliens, and age verification protocols.
As provided in RA 11930, an OSAEC and CSAEM Offenders Registry for Filipino nationals and foreigners will also be created.
“It stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to create a safer and more secure future for every Filipino child, be it in online or offline spaces,” said UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
Unite vs online sexual abuse and exploitation
The main call during the IRR’s official launch was for the government, the private sector and citizens to work together to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian described the signing of the IRR as “a meaningful journey towards enhancing the protection of children against online abuse.”
“The DSWD, as one of the signatories of the IRR, will remain vigilant in making sure that the provisions will be strictly implemented and never abused. Likewise, the Department will continue to craft relevant plans, policies, and programs to address the evolving need for better protection, recovery, and reintegration of victim-survivors,” said Secretary Gatchalian.
The Philippines remains a prime target for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, owing to factors such as poverty, fluency in English and widespread internet access, according to Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“It is the responsibility of all, from the government to everyday citizens, to protect the innocence and well-being of our future: the Filipino children,” Remulla stressed./PN
