Unable to hold his emotions back, President Marcos vowed that the government would do better to address what he called a "dark reality" that many Filipino youth have fallen victim to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Marcos said this as he graced the 'Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon' Summit 2024 in Makati City on Monday, Sept. 16.

In his speech, the President could not help but shed tears after hearing the account of an OSAEC survivor when the Philippines is a country known worldwide for being the home of the "number one caretakers" of foreign children.

"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.

"This strikes at the very heart of our society. It undermines the foundations of what we are, of who we are, as a people," he added.

According to the President, behind the warmth lies a "dark reality" where half a million Filipinos, or one in every hundred Filipinos, had been victimized.

"It is an appalling statistic. We cannot allow this to continue. We will not allow it to continue," he said.

"This is a horrible scourge of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, which remains widespread now in our country," he added.

The President's voice hinted at anger when he pointed out that most of the perpetrators of child abuse and exploitation are their family members.

"Their smiles, their brave smiles, their innocent smiles conceal a pain that is our nation's shame," Marcos said.

"A sad reality is that many perpetrators are the victims' families or relatives—the very people that we expect to care for them," he added.

On the other hand, President Marcos expressed his admiration for the victims and survivors of OSAEC.

"To the victims and survivors, your stories continue to push us in the right direction. Your extraordinary courage motivates us to do better," he said, assuring them that the government will do better to give them a better chance at life.

Government efforts

Marcos enumerated some of the government's measures to address the issue as he stressed that his administration will do everything to end OSAEC.

"We will spare no effort to combat these heinous crimes against our children," he said.

"This is a battle that we must not lose and we will not lose," he added.

Last month, President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 67, creating the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) to help protect children from physical and mental distress.

In his speech, Marcos said the POCP is a critical step in the government's fight against this crisis. It will serve as the "epicenter" of efforts, bringing together resources and strategies to ensure that every child in the country is protected and supported.

Another testament to the government's "unwavering dedication" to ending child abuse and exploitation, he added, is the rescue by the Philippine National Police (PNP) of more than 1,099 victims of trafficking in persons and OSAEC and the arrest of more than 100 suspects from 2022 to July 2024.

"If that is [the number] we have apprehended, if that is the number of the children we have saved, I cannot help but think: how many are still left out there?" Marcos said.

"That is not the majority of the victims, that is not the majority of the perpetrators. And we need to do more," he added.

"We are fully committed to ensuring and protecting our children who are the most vulnerable members of our society. It is our utmost priority to protect our innocents, perfect little beings who are being hurt for money by the people that they trust," he continued.

President Marcos urged the departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Health (DOH), Justice (DOJ), Education (DepEd), and of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to continue developing training programs to ensure that law enforcement, prosecution, social workers, teachers, other public servants are well-equipped to handle these cases.

"Let us stand firmly by our sworn duty to protect the innocent children who have no power to defend themselves and have only us to do that for them," he said.

"Strengthen our criminal justice system so all perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes are put behind bars and made to pay for what they have done. And everyone should think not only twice but 100 times before committing this abuse again," he added.

Marcos then urged local government units (LGUs) to leverage their knowledge and experience to ensure that no child falls victim to OSAEC.

"Let us make the Philippines the absolute worst place for those who abuse and exploit children," he said.

We are resolute in our commitment to providing services that will help move the victims forward such as therapy.

Community participation

President Marcos urged the public to help the government in the fight against OSAEC, saying they do not even have to imagine its effects on children before they act.

"Perhaps we do not know them. Perhaps we are not related to them. But they are all our children. They are Filipinos," he said.

"To our communities, this administration implores you to be suspicious, be watchful, and report even the slightest inkling of abuse," he added.

The President asked the public to call the Makabata Help Line 1383, saying a single call can save one child.