THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology reminded telecommunications companies and Internet service providers of their duty to protect children against online abuse and urged them to comply with laws on child exploitation.

It issued the call following reports that there has been an increase in the number of cases of online abuse and exploitation of children.

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said that his agency coordinates with the National Telecommunications Commission to address the issue.

“The DICT takes the matter of online child sexual exploitation very seriously. We are closely coordinating with the NTC in exploring measures to prevent this and ensure compliance of telcos and ISPs with the provisions of the law,” Honasan said.

The NTC and DICT are monitoring ISPs compliance with the law that mandates them to report to the Philippine National Police or the National Bureau of Investigation child exploitation and abuse cases.

The DICT launched its Child Online Safeguarding Policy that aims to protect and safeguard children and young people online in accordance with the implementation of Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.