With reports of rising cases of online sexual exploitation of children in northern Cebu, the Department of Justice (DoJ) held a legal symposium in the region to educate residents on laws addressing digital sex crimes, including sexual extortion.

The forum, organized by the DoJ Action Center (DoJAC) Region VII, was held at the Madridejos Community College and focused on Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, as well as other gender-based cybercrimes.

The event drew local students, barangay officials and women’s rights advocates from across Bantayan Island — including the towns of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe.

Assistant State Prosecutor Joan Carla Guevarra, who led the discussion, cited an “alarming” increase in sextortion cases, a form of digital blackmail where victims are coerced into sending money or sexual content under threat of exposure. Most victims, she said, are minors.

“This is no longer just a theoretical threat. These crimes are happening in communities like yours,” Guevarra said, noting that remote areas are increasingly vulnerable as internet access grows but digital literacy and legal awareness remain limited.

She walked participants through real case studies and outlined key provisions of RA 11930, as well as related laws like the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 9995), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), and existing provisions on robbery and coercion in the Revised Penal Code.

Guevarra also stressed the importance of preserving evidence and reporting incidents promptly to authorities.

DoJAC Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who attended the event, said the justice department is making efforts to expand legal education and services to hard-to-reach communities.

Residents were informed that DoJAC Region VII can be contacted through email and social media platforms like Facebook for legal assistance.