The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) – Region VII, held a symposium on 16 May 2025, focusing on Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act) and gender-based cybercrime offenses under criminal law. The event took place in Madridejos, Cebu.

This outreach campaign aims to extend legal education and services to municipalities far from urban centers, ensuring that remote communities have access to justice. DOJAC Region VII emphasized its readiness to handle legal queries through online platforms such as Facebook and email.

Participants included student leaders and faculty from MCC, criminology students from the Southern Cebu State Institute of Technology (SCSIT), Barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan representatives, and Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) focal persons from the municipalities of Bantayan, Madridejos, and Sta. Fe.

DOJAC Undersecretary-in-Charge Margarita N. Gutierrez delivered a message underscoring the DOJ’s commitment to accessible and inclusive justice, particularly for underserved communities.

Assistant State Prosecutor Joan Carla V. Guevarra led a detailed discussion on sextortion—a form of online sexual extortion involving coercion for money or acts—and its increasing prevalence. She explained how sextortion affects victims, especially minors, and highlighted legal remedies under R.A. 11930, R.A. 9995, R.A. 11313, and related laws covering robbery and grave coercion.

The session included case scenarios and recent jurisprudence to deepen participants’ understanding of prosecution procedures and the importance of timely reporting and preserving evidence.