BI backs updated child abuse protocols

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) joined other government agencies in supporting the launch of a revised protocol for managing cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination on Thursday.

The updated protocols, developed by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), aim to serve as a guide for government agencies in handling cases of abuse involving vulnerable children.

It incorporates 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 emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration in tackling and handling abuse and exploitation.

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