Stronger crackdown on online child sexual abuse sought

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday, 14 February 2026, called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against online child sexual abuse and other forms of human trafficking, as the country observes the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

Gatchalian urged authorities to maximize the use of funds allocated under the 2026 national budget to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

He noted that P119.2 million has been earmarked for Anti-Trafficking in Persons initiatives, while P111.5 million was allotted for the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

The senator stressed the need for stronger enforcement operations, improved coordination among agencies, and more aggressive action against perpetrators who exploit children through digital platforms.

“Hindi na natin pahihintulutan ang ganitong malupit na pang-aabuso at karahasan laban sa kabataang Pilipino,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing that the government must ensure that budget allocations translate into concrete results on the ground.

Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children remains a persistent concern in the Philippines, with authorities continuing to conduct cyber-patrols and rescue operations to protect minors from abuse.urged to intensify enforcement and coordination to curb online child sexual abuse and exploitation.Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against online child sexual abuse and other forms of human trafficking, as the country observes the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

Gatchalian urged authorities to maximize the use of funds allocated under the 2026 national budget to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

He noted that P119.2 million has been earmarked for Anti-Trafficking in Persons initiatives, while P111.5 million was allotted for the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

The senator stressed the need for stronger enforcement operations, improved coordination among agencies, and more aggressive action against perpetrators who exploit children through digital platforms.

“Hindi na natin pahihintulutan ang ganitong malupit na pang-aabuso at karahasan laban sa kabataang Pilipino,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing that the government must ensure that budget allocations translate into concrete results on the ground.

Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children remains a persistent concern in the Philippines, with authorities continuing to conduct cyber-patrols and rescue operations to protect minors from abuse.