The role of barangay officials and local government units is crucial in protecting vulnerable children, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

In an interview after the launch of the “Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination” at the DOJ on Thursday, Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez stressed the importance of LGUs and barangay leaders in identifying and assisting children at risk.

Vasquez explained that barangay officials are in the best position to detect victims within their communities and should be the first to report incidents of abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

“They are the ones to first report incidence in their respective areas of jurisdiction and also help the victims get the necessary support and report it to authorities so abusers are penalized,” said Vasquez.

He added that barangays should lead in disseminating information on child protection campaigns. According to Vasquez, a higher number of reported cases in an area may indicate active community involvement, while fewer reports could mean inaction from local officials.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is implementing interventions, such as the 4Ps program, to ensure children can attend school even if their parents lack financial means.

The revised protocol serves as a comprehensive guide for agencies and stakeholders in handling sensitive cases involving child victims, ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and protection they deserve.

Approved by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), the updated guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of various agencies in handling child abuse cases, with the welfare and safety of the child as the top priority.

The CSPC, chaired by the DOJ and co-chaired by the DSWD, developed the revisions through consultations with stakeholders, incorporating new laws, emerging technologies, and updated best practices to keep interventions responsive, efficient, and child-sensitive.