BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city is intensifying its response to cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) after rescuing 10 victims across several barangays in the past two months.

Among the survivors, eight, aged 12 to 17, are now in the custody of the city’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).

In a press conference on Thursday, Mayor Greg Gasataya said combating OSAEC is one of the priorities of his administration.

“Bacolod City strongly condemns these acts of exploitation and stands firm in its mandate to protect the vulnerable. The city government is doing its best to help them in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and various non-government organizations,” he added.

The joint entrapment operations were conducted from June to July by personnel of the Bacolod City Police Office Women and Children Protection Desk, PNP Women and Children Protection Center, and the DSSD.

The eight survivors under the protective custody of the DSSD are provided with post-rescue care, including residential housing, medical screenings, psychological counseling, educational modules, family interventions, and legal assistance.

“We are awaiting the recommendation of the DSSD for the City Legal Office to provide legal assistance in filing cases against the people responsible for these illegal activities. We call on those who have information to help protect our children,” Gasataya said.

OSAEC, as well as child sexual abuse or exploitation of materials (CSAEM), violate a child’s dignity, safety, and future. These include acts of producing, sharing, or possessing any sexualized image or material involving minors, whether online or offline.

DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday strengthens the need to raise awareness in detecting OSAEC cases.

“It’s very alarming that Bacolod City has been identified as one of the hotspot areas in terms of OSAEC, plus the production of materials or emulation of these types of abuse. The victims were rescued in various communities. They usually use cellphones. This makes it very accessible for perpetrators,” she said.

Mangga said investigations on the rescue efforts are ongoing as they received reports from the survivors that there are still other minors who have yet to be rescued.

“Our interventions are now focused on their residential care, providing them rehabilitative activities in terms of psycho-social aspects and counseling,” she added.

In Bacolod, the 24/7 SAFE Hotline was established last year to combat child abuse and gender-based violence.

Any suspected abuse can be reported to hotlines 0909-640-7382 (TNT) or 0926-751-4615 (Globe).