Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday, February 14 reiterated his call for the government to launch a stronger crackdown on various forms of child trafficking, including the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Gatchalian made the call as the National Awareness Week on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Exploitation draws to a close.

The senator pointed out an effective crack down against child traffickers entails effective enforcement of laws that took effect last year, particularly the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 (Republic Act No. 11862) and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act (Republic Act No. 11930).

Gatchalinan, co-author and co-sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, said the law gives law enforcers additional tools to pursue human traffickers both online and offline.

Under the law, internet intermediaries such as social media networks and financial intermediaries will be liable for allowing the use of their platforms for trafficking.

The Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, which Gatchalian also co-authored, also gives authorities additional means for surveillance and investigation of OSAEC cases.

The also increases the responsibilities of social media platforms, electronic service providers, and financial intermediaries, among others, to block CSAEM materials and cooperate with police, he said.

“Tungkulin nating ipatupad ang mga batas upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan mula sa iba’t ibang anyo ng trafficking (It is our duty to enforce the laws to ensure the safety of our youth from various forms of trafficking),” Gatchalian said.

“Tungkulin nating tulungan ang mga biktima na makabangon muli at magkaroon ng pag-asa (It is our duty to help the victims get back up and have hope),” he said.