CHR, DILG, Caraga RCWC urge LGUs to step up measures vs OSAEC-CSAEM
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Caraga Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) on November 27 signed a joint policy advisory that calls on local government units (LGUs) to take action against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).
This landmark move reflects a shared commitment to protect every Filipino child from harm and to uphold their right to safety, dignity, and a future free from exploitation.
The ceremonial signing was held at the GAD Learning Hall, CHR Caraga regional office in Barangay Tiniwisan, Butuan City, as part of the observance of the National Children’s Month 2025, which carries the theme focused on ending OSAEC-CSAEM.
A joint policy advisory is an official issuance of the CHR, often developed in partnership with government agencies and civil society, that provides guidance, recommendations, and policy directions on pressing human rights concerns. It serves as a non-binding but authoritative instrument to influence government action, strengthen accountability, and ensure that human rights standards are upheld in local governance.
Through this advisory, the CHR, DILG, and RCWC call on LGUs to mobilize community-based mechanisms, strengthen child protection councils, and integrate anti-OSAEC and CSAEM measures into local development plans. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, capacity-building for barangay officials, and closer coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to cases of online child exploitation.
CHR officials underscored that the initiative demonstrates the government’s seriousness in protecting Filipino children and upholding their right to protection as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
“Children’s rights are human rights—equally fundamental, universal, and non-negotiable. Children deserve the same amount of protection and dignity as adults do, with even greater care because of their vulnerability,” said Atty. Aurora Luanne R. Cembrano-Ramos, regional director of CHR Caraga.
“On behalf of the Commission on Human Rights Caraga, I express our full and unwavering support for this Joint Policy Advisory urging our LGUs to take decisive and community-based action against OSAEC & CSAEM. The CHR stands firm in its mandate to uphold the rights and dignity of every Filipino child. And today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child—whether online or offline—is left vulnerable or unseen,” she expounded.
As the chairperson of the Caraga RCWC—the committee mandated to ensure the welfare of children throughout the region—Mari-Flor A. Dollaga-Libang, regional director of DSWD Caraga, expressed her profound gratitude, on behalf of Caraga RCWC, to CHR Caraga’s strong and consistent partnership with the committee in their continuous efforts to fostering a more safe and conducive environment for the Caraganon children.
“We commend CHR Caraga for steadfastly performing its role—upholding the rights of children, ensuring accountability, and working collaboratively with all of us in preventing violations. Their commitment strengthens our collective efforts and gives victims and families a voice that is heard and protected.”
She likewise highlighted the crucial role of LGUs as the first responders in crafting and implementing proactive measures to protect the children within their jurisdiction and to ensure seamless inter-agency coordination especially when dealing with child victims.
“When institutions unite, protection becomes stronger. When leaders act, children become safer. And when communities stand together, exploitation has no place to thrive,” reminded Libang.
The ceremonial signing added significance to this year’s National Children’s Month celebration, making it not only a commemoration but also a call to action against one of the most urgent child protection issues in the digital age. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DSWD and CHR Caraga)
