The Supreme Court (SC) has urged stronger collaboration among law enforcers, prosecutors and judges in the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

On behalf of the SC, Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez said: “Exploitation of children has no place in our society. Perpetrators must suffer the full extent of the law. Nothing less. To achieve this, all stakeholders need to work together.”

Published reports stated that in 2021 alone, two million Filipino children were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Justice Marquez, chairperson of the SC Special Committee on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence, was the keynote speaker during the second discussion and report launch of “A Compendium of Perspectives: Bridging the Gap Between Judicial and Law Enforcement Understanding of the Personal Knowledge Requirement In OSAEC/CSAEM” held recently in Makati City.

The press statement issued by the SC’s Office of the Spokesperson stated that the compendium, prepared by the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), examines how cybercrime search warrants are applied in cases involving Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

The compendium also explains the “personal knowledge” rule, which requires judges to personally determine, through the examination of witnesses under oath, if a search warrant must be issued.

Justice Marquez described the compendium as “an early step in our roadmap for action,” adding that it will serve as a reference for judges and law enforcers.

“When we bridge judicial wisdom with law enforcement and prosecutorial experience, we strengthen protection for our most vulnerable citizens,” he said.

Earlier this year, the SC Special Committee assisted ICMEC in consulting with judges and law enforcement agencies, which helped shape the compendium’s findings.

Justice Marquez noted challenges identified in the compendium, such as limited training and the lack of prosecutor involvement.

He said: “These create delays that impact child protection. This crisis demands both professional commitment and personal conviction. Child protection in fact transcends legal obligation—it is a moral duty.”

He also shared that the SC, through its Management and Information Systems Office, has recommended amendments to Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, including measures to improve coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors.

The SC is updating the Rules on Criminal Procedure to improve how warrants are issued, he said. The SC Special Committee is also reviewing the rules on cybercrime and electronic evidence to ensure they respond to today’s digital challenges, he added.

Underscoring the importance of unity in addressing OSAEC and CSAEM, Justice Marquez pointed out: “Even though the courts must remain independent, judges, law enforcers, and prosecutors need to work together to stop this terrible crime against our children.”

The event gathered judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, SC lawyers, and ICMEC officials.

Justice Marquez was joined by SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting, and ICMEC representatives Bindu Sharma, vice president, Global Policy & Industry Alliance, managing director, Asia Pacific; lawyer Jewel Dela Cruz, program manager, Philippines; and lawyer Klarise Estorninos-Cajucom, research consultant.