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Advocates Philippines
'We Must Do More': A Tearful President Marcos Urges United Action Against Online Child Exploitation
Photo credit: PCO
An emotional President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a heartfelt plea on Monday, urging both the government and the Filipino public to take a stronger stand against the rising cases of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). Speaking at the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon Summit 2024” in Makati City, the President did not hold back his feelings as he called for more collective action to protect vulnerable children.

During his speech, the President admitted to feeling a deep sense of shame, stating that despite the government's efforts, much more needs to be done. “For us to allow this to happen in our country, it brings to me an overwhelming sense of shame because being in government, being in public service, we are not doing enough. We must do more,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Visibly moved, President Marcos shared that his emotions were stirred after hearing the painful account of a young victim of online sexual abuse. Her ordeal, along with countless others, left the President visibly shaken. “It is sexual abuse and exploitation of children. And I leave it to your imagination, and I would imagine in some cases your imagination cannot even begin to fathom what is done to these poor children – to our poor children,” he lamented.

President Marcos underscored the need for Filipinos to unite and take a firm stand against this scourge. “One of the most important parts of the Filipino culture is family. We are known around the world for that... Filipinos are the number one caretakers of foreign children all around the world,” he said. “We must do more.”

Although the President acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the DOJ-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), he urged for continued, aggressive action to confront the growing threat. The summit itself, organized in collaboration with the International Justice Mission (IJM), serves as a critical step in this fight, but President Marcos made it clear that the work must intensify.

The statistics are alarming. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), from 237 operations, 1,099 victims were rescued, 138 suspects were arrested, and 41 perpetrators have already been convicted. However, the numbers only tell part of the story, as countless other victims remain trapped in the shadows.

President Marcos concluded his speech with a powerful reminder: “We are here today to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time... what exemplifies our future more than our children?” His call for action left a lasting impression on those present at the summit, as it echoed the President's genuine concern for the future of the nation and its most vulnerable citizens.

Now more than ever, the message is clear—when it comes to eradicating OSAEC, “we must do more.”
Sep 17, 2024
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