2026 ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection, tinalakay ang online abuse at exploitation ng mga bata

HINIKAYAT ni Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano ang mga ASEAN Member States na “produce practical steps that our institutions can carry out together” laban sa online abuse at exploitation ng mga bata.

Sa kanyang pagsasalita sa 2026 ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection, sinabi ng chairman ng House committee on public order and safety na kailangang makatugon ang ASEAN sa mga isyu ukol sa prevention, law enforcement, at accountability.

“Protection must begin before abuse happens, through age-appropriate safeguards and safer digital platforms that make it harder for offenders to reach and exploit children. But when a child reports abuse, what happens next? Can investigators act on the evidence, can a platform respond quickly, and can that child get the protection and support needed to recover?” ani Valeriano.

Inihalimbawa nito ang panukalang Batang Ligtas bill na niratipikahan ng Kamara noong September 20 na tutugon dito.

“The measure seeks stronger safeguards against online child sexual exploitation and abuse, including age protections on digital platforms. It would make the National Child Safety Office permanent and institutionalize the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center to strengthen coordinated investigations. It also addresses emerging threats, including attempts to recruit children through online networks into serious acts of violence,” pahayag ni Valeriano.

Tinukoy din ng mambabatas ang 2022 study ng ECPAT, INTERPOL, at UNICEF kung saan tinataya na isa sa limang kabataan na nasa edad 12-7 na gumagamit ng internet ang dumanas ng online sexual exploitation o abuse sa nakalipas na ilang taon.

“The internet also crosses borders. A child may be in one country, the offender in another, and vital evidence held by a company somewhere else. No police agency, prosecutor or technology company can address that challenge alone. We need lawful information sharing, timely cooperation and clear responsibility across jurisdictions,” aniya.

(VINA de GUZMAN)