DSWD condemns child sexual abuse after rescue of 16 victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday, 16 October, condemned all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation following the rescue of 16 minors in separate operations in Rizal and General Santos City.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao reminded parents of their responsibility to protect their children from abuse, particularly online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

The warning followed operations conducted on 13 October in Cainta, Rizal, and General Santos City, where authorities rescued 16 victim-survivors.

“Walang batang dapat makaranas ng anumang uri ng pang-aabuso, lalo na kung mula sa kamag-anak o sila mismo ang nagiging dahilan ng pagkakasangkot ng kanilang mga anak o kapamilya. Ang mga magulang ang inaasahan nilang magbibigay sa kanila ng pagmamahal at proteksyon. Responsibilidad ng mga magulang na alagaan, gabayan, at protektahan ang kanilang mga anak laban sa anumang panganib, online man o sa personal,” Dumlao said.

According to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), investigators recovered images and videos allegedly depicting the sexual abuse of minors.

In a letter, a 14-year-old victim-survivor rescued in Cainta appealed to parents to protect their children instead of exposing them to abuse.

“Gusto ko pong sabihin sa mga magulang na huwag n’yo pong gayahin yung ginawa ng mga magulang ko. Mahalin n’yo po ‘yung anak n’yo,” the minor said.

Dumlao stressed that parents must provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children, while communities and government agencies share responsibility for preventing abuse and exploitation.

“Ang mga magulang po ang dapat na unang nagpo-protekta, nagmamahal at nangangalaga sa kanilang mga anak. Responsibilidad ninyo, ng komunidad, at ng pamahalaan na ilayo sa anumang panganib ang ating mga kabataan,” she said.

The DSWD said it continues to strengthen its Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program, which provides parenting education and support to parents and guardians.

The program aims to improve parenting skills, promote responsible parenthood and prevent child abuse by encouraging families to prioritize children's safety and well-being.