AS THE COUNTRY observes the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against child trafficking and the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Gatchalian highlighted the importance of maximizing funds allocated in the 2026 national budget to combat these crimes. The budget earmarks ₱119.2 million for Anti-Trafficking in Persons initiatives and ₱111.5 million for the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

The senator stressed that the effective use of these funds is crucial for strengthening operations against perpetrators and protecting vulnerable Filipino children from abuse and violence.

“We will no longer allow such cruel abuse and violence against Filipino children,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated action among government agencies to address the growing threat of online exploitation.

OSAEC remains a major concern in the Philippines, with authorities and child protection advocates calling for stronger enforcement, tighter monitoring of online platforms, and sustained public awareness campaigns to curb the exploitation of minors.