CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In a proactive stance against the rise of online sexual crimes, Gender Advocates (GAs) from across Northern Mindanao convened for a 1-day seminar on Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in connection with this year’s 18th day campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on December 1, 2023, held yesterday at the Alcoseba Hall, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
GAs from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division participated in the said activity, which was geared towards providing a platform for addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation targeting women and children, dialogue, and strategic planning among advocates in safeguarding the vulnerable against the perils of online exploitation. Consequently, fostering a renewed commitment among participants to amplify their efforts in advocacy, education, and community engagement
During the activity, Atty. Ruby T Malanog from the DOJ Office of the City Prosecutor and Atty. Hevah N Salic from CHR-10 provided enriching discussions on OSAEC, Child Marriage, Republic Act 11313 also known as “Safe space Act” or Bawal Bastos Law and Statutory Rape. The lectures cover an array of topics, including an overview of the types, forms, and prevalence of online abuse targeting children; understanding the digital landscape; use of the internet and technology to facilitate sexual abuse; psychological, emotional, and social consequences experienced by victims; creating a safe online space; existing legal provisions and frameworks designed to combat online sexual abuse and protection; effective intervention strategies; and the significance of community involvement, awareness campaigns, and education in preventing online and physical abuse.
Maj. Daisy P Baguio, the Chief of the Gender and Development Office (4GADO), 4ID, and President of GA-10, spearheaded the activity and said that the seminar is expected to create a ripple effect, ignite awareness, advocacy, and action that would yield tangible results across Northern Mindanao and beyond.
In a statement, 4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II commended the unwavering dedication of Gender Advocates in taking the stance to protect the innocent and vulnerable. Further, he said that through the collective actions and collaboration of advocates, public and private institutions, and stakeholders, they can forge a safer, more secure digital landscape for generations to come.
