SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has issued a strong statement condemning the recent arrest of a mother who live-streamed the sexual abuse of her 13-year-old son to an Australian national—calling it a horrifying reminder of the growing threat posed by online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the country.

“The arrest of a mother who live-streamed the sexual abuse of her own son is nothing short of horrifying,” Gatchalian said.

“It reveals a grim and painful truth: online sexual abuse and exploitation of children remains a growing and urgent threat in our country,” he added.

While acknowledging that laws are in place to address OSAEC, Gatchalian stressed the need for more aggressive action to combat what he described as an “evil” harming vulnerable children.

“We have laws in place, but clearly, we must do more — we need to strike harder and root out this evil at its core,” he said.

The senator called on the government to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in tracking, arresting, and prosecuting OSAEC offenders.

He also highlighted the importance of global cooperation, particularly with international law enforcement, in pursuing predators across borders.

“We must bolster the capacity of our law enforcement agencies to pursue and prosecute OSAEC offenders. This includes strengthening cooperation with international counterparts to track down predators wherever they may be,” he said.

Gatchalian concluded with a firm call to action:

“Hindi natin dapat hayaang maging kasangkapan ang internet sa pagsasamantala sa ating mga kabataan. Dapat itong supilin nang buong tapang at bilis.”