SENATOR Risa Hontiveros expressed deep concern over the recent case of online sexual abuse and exploitation of a 10-month-old infant, calling it ‘heartbreaking and horrifying.’

In a statement, Hontiveros, a mother herself, praised the National Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Division and the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children for swiftly apprehending the perpetrator.

However, she criticized the current implementation of the Anti-OSAEC Law, which she authored, noting that it has not sufficiently prevented such crimes.

“The Anti-OSAEC Law imposes responsibilities on social media platforms, yet these heinous crimes were still carried out using Facebook and WhatsApp,” Hontiveros said.

“I am again calling on social media companies to tighten their regulations. They failed to curb fake news, and now they’re failing to protect our children,” she added.

Hontiveros announced she will call for a Senate inquiry to investigate the case and emerging trends in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). She also filed a resolution to examine the issue further.

The senator emphasized the need to hold all parties accountable, including internet service providers, e-wallet services, and remittance centers that may have facilitated the growth of online child exploitation.

“We need to strengthen our whole-of-nation approach to this complex issue. Our children should never be for sale,” she said.