The Department of Justice (DOJ) convened the Metro Manila Mayors for a meaningful dialogue on 9 November 2026 at the New World Hotel, aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing initiatives and programs for child protection and welfare against all forms of exploitation and abuse.
Led by Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida, together with Undersecretaries Majken Anika S. Gran-Ong, Nicholas Felix Ty, and Ian Norman E. Dato, the DOJ delegation met with Metro Manila mayors, namely: Francisco Javier “Francis” Zamora (San Juan), Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan (Caloocan), Edwin Olivarez (Parañaque), Gerald German (Pateros), John Reynald “John Rey” Tiangco (Navotas), Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano (Pasay), Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon (Muntinlupa), Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano (Taguig), and Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon). Also present were city chief prosecutors from various cities, NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag, and representatives from the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) and the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC).
The discussions focused on the Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).
In addressing the concerns involving OSAEC and CSAEM, NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM identified the factors contributing to the increasing number of cases, which will support the development of appropriate solutions and initiatives.
Among the matters raised is the difficulty victims and concerned individuals face in reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities or agencies. These challenges stem from fear, lack of awareness and confusion regarding where and how to report such cases.
To address these issues, the NCC Secretariat and the CSPC proposed measures to the Local Government Units (LGUs), including the creation of Task Force OSAEC, modernization of city ordinances, localization of National Strategic Plan and implementation of revised protocol to strengthen the coordination among concerned government offices and LGUs.
“Protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation is a shared responsibility that requires a whole-of-government approach. Through this coordination, the DOJ and Metro Manila LGUs reaffirm their commitment to working together to strengthen efforts to prevent child abuse and exploitation, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that every child has access to justice,” Justice Secretary Vida reiterated.
