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DILG Warns Barangay Officials Against Settling Cases Of Online Sexual Abuse And Exploitation Of Children
Photo credit: PCO
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a stern warning to barangay officials on Wednesday, emphasizing that cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) must not be settled at their level.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., following a meeting with President Marcos, underscored the gravity of the issue in a press briefing held in Malacañang, asserting that those involved in such crimes will face the full extent of the law.
Abalos emphasized, "Ito iyong wina-warning ko lahat ng mga barangay, hindi na puwedeng mag-settle dito... ito’y krimen laban sa bata." He warned against any attempts to settle these cases and vowed to ensure that those who do will be prosecuted.
The DILG chief stressed that the best interest of the child should always be the priority, stating that authorities will now document each case and have informed relevant desks on how to handle them.
According to Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, barangay officials may be held liable under the Anti-OSAEC Law, with penalties including life imprisonment or fines up to two million pesos for prohibited acts under RA 11930.
President Marcos, during a sectoral meeting, ordered the implementation of a comprehensive action plan to combat OSAEC and CSAEM, emphasizing that the Philippines is not a safe haven for exploiters of children. He directed the establishment of a centralized system for detecting and reporting such cases, prioritizing the protection of children in all programs and policies.
Additionally, President Marcos instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all relevant agencies to intensify efforts against those engaged in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, signaling a strong stance against perpetrators of such crimes.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., following a meeting with President Marcos, underscored the gravity of the issue in a press briefing held in Malacañang, asserting that those involved in such crimes will face the full extent of the law.
Abalos emphasized, "Ito iyong wina-warning ko lahat ng mga barangay, hindi na puwedeng mag-settle dito... ito’y krimen laban sa bata." He warned against any attempts to settle these cases and vowed to ensure that those who do will be prosecuted.
The DILG chief stressed that the best interest of the child should always be the priority, stating that authorities will now document each case and have informed relevant desks on how to handle them.
According to Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, barangay officials may be held liable under the Anti-OSAEC Law, with penalties including life imprisonment or fines up to two million pesos for prohibited acts under RA 11930.
President Marcos, during a sectoral meeting, ordered the implementation of a comprehensive action plan to combat OSAEC and CSAEM, emphasizing that the Philippines is not a safe haven for exploiters of children. He directed the establishment of a centralized system for detecting and reporting such cases, prioritizing the protection of children in all programs and policies.
Additionally, President Marcos instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all relevant agencies to intensify efforts against those engaged in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, signaling a strong stance against perpetrators of such crimes.
Jun 6, 2024
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