SENATOR Risa Hontiveros is seeking an inquiry into the surge of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 1307, urging the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to investigate criminal networks operating through chat platforms and electronic wallets.

The resolution cited how end-to-end encryption, while offering privacy for legitimate users, has allowed sexual predators to evade law enforcement.

“The use of encrypted messaging and anonymous payment channels enables criminals to operate under the radar, making it harder for authorities to track offenders,” Hontiveros said in the resolution.

The lawmaker stressed that stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms are needed to combat online child exploitation, urging the Senate to examine the role of digital payment platforms in facilitating illicit transactions.

Hontiveros emphasized that the national government should strengthen monitoring mechanisms for encrypted chat platforms and enhance cybersecurity measures to identify and dismantle online abuse networks.