BI backs updated child abuse cases protocols

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is supporting a revised protocol for managing cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

The updated protocols were developed by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children and will serve as a guide for government agencies in handling cases involving vulnerable children.

The protocols incorporate recent laws, technological developments and updated practices in child protection.

BI commissioner Joel Viado said the agency acknowledges the importance of protecting children in vulnerable situations and stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration in tackling abuse and exploitation.

The BI will continue to train its frontline officers to identify potential human trafficking and child exploitation cases at ports of entry and exit, in coordination with partner agencies.