President Ferdinand Marcos called on the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting child abuse.
In a recent address at the Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Summit, President Marcos reiterated his plea for citizens to help protect children, echoing sentiments from his State of the Nation Address.
“To our communities, this administration implores you to be suspicious, be watchful, and report even the slightest inkling of abuse,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Let us not turn a blind eye to wrongdoings because passivity enables evil to perpetuate,” he added.
In the first half of 2024, there were 22,421 children who experienced abuse, neglect and other types of violence in the Philippines, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Of the 94 OSAEC operations conducted from January to September 2024, the Philippine National Police were able to rescue 169 victims, and arrested 51 suspects, he said.
Last week, the DILG reported that it has arrested alleged child abuser Teddy Jay Mejia, who is accused of coercing more than 100 children to either pose naked or be video-taped while being raped.
Mejia’s victims were aged between 9 and 15 years old, the DILG chief said.
President Marcos highlighted the importance of the Makabata Helpline, which aims to provide an avenue for reporting child exploitation.
“One call to the Makabata Helpline 1383 can save one child,” he said, urging citizens to take action.
The president’s remarks also touched on the resilience of abuse survivors, who he said continue to inspire the government’s efforts.
President Marcos stressed the importance of putting children’s safety first in government efforts.
“What we are trying to do here is to save the child, save that life. That should always be our primary consideration,” he said.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to offering therapy and reintegration programs for victims through partnerships between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and organizations like the International Justice Mission (IJM).
“Let us build a world where justice and compassion prevail, and every child’s safety and dignity are upheld,” President Marcos said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos urges public vigilance vs child abuse, exploitation.”
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