BACOLOD City – The city government, in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM), an international human rights organization, has strengthened its local campaign against online child abuse.
This follows the recent conduct of the Multi-Disciplinary Team – Basic Internet Crimes Against Children (MDT–BICAC) training by IJM, which equipped participants with essential knowledge on Internet-based crimes targeting minors, particularly Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
During the activity, IJM lauded the city government for its strong and proactive measures against OSAEC — a grave cybercrime where traffickers livestream the sexual abuse of minors for profit.
More than 40 frontliners — including law enforcers, social workers, prosecutors, educators, health officers, information officers, and child protection advocates — now comprise the city’s multi-disciplinary team to combat OSAEC.
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed optimism that the partnership with IJM will further boost Bacolod’s efforts to protect children online.
“We will never tolerate online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in our city. Our frontliners are fully prepared to hold traffickers accountable, rescue and rehabilitate victims, and send a strong message of justice to both active and potential perpetrators,” the mayor said.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that such crimes are often committed within homes.
“Report it immediately to ensure the timely rescue of victims,” he added.
OSAEC involves the trafficking of children to produce sexually exploitative materials, including livestreamed abuse, in exchange for money. Perpetrators are often family members or trusted individuals who connect with offenders abroad.
Unlike other forms of trafficking, OSAEC commonly occurs inside the victim’s home, making detection more difficult and requiring proactive law enforcement and community vigilance. In some areas, these acts are deceptively referred to as “show” or “show me.”
Atty. Lovelie Faith Endomo-Forcadilla, IJM’s Special Counsel for Interventions, commended Mayor Gasataya for his dedication to child protection, citing the creation of the Bacolod SAFE Hotline (Support and Action for Families in Emergency) through an executive order.
The SAFE Hotline aims to streamline reporting and response mechanisms for cases involving gender-based violence, children in need of special protection, and other social welfare concerns.
“The city government has been very supportive in the fight against OSAEC. They have successfully passed an anti-OSAEC ordinance and recently established the SAFE Hotline to provide a local reporting mechanism for these cases,” Forcadilla said.
A 2022 prevalence study by IJM and the University of Nottingham Rights Lab revealed that nearly half a million Filipino children — approximately one in every 100 — have been trafficked to produce sexually exploitative materials for profit.
Evelyn G. Pingul, IJM Philippines’ Community Engagement Director, emphasized that local government units are the first line of defense against OSAEC.
“Bacolod City’s commitment and initiatives are truly commendable and set a strong example for other LGUs. The Philippines’ Tier 1 ranking in the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report reflects our national dedication to combating human trafficking. Bacolod’s leadership shows how local governments can translate that commitment into real protection for children,” Pingul said.
To report OSAEC incidents, contact the Bacolod City SAFE Hotline or the PNP–Women and Children Protection Center through the following numbers: 0966-725-5961 (Globe) | 0919-777-7377 (Smart)./PN
