Protection for children online sought

CAGAYAN de Oro Councilor Mercedes Joyleen ‘Girlie’ Balaba proposed an ordinance on Monday aimed at bolstering support for children involved in online sexual abuse and exploitation.

She highlighted the emergence of online sexual abuse as a digital phenomenon involving local children and foreign perpetrators through the internet.

Balaba emphasized the role of the media in addressing the plight of these victims. She called for the local government unit to enhance its support for law enforcement agencies and assist social workers in refining their mechanisms for dealing with victims.

Additionally, she urged the imposition of penalties on local factors contributing to online sexual abuse, including internet cafés, remittance centers facilitating payment transactions, and parents who allow their children to be victimized online.

“As legislators, we must ensure the protection of our children targeted by these cyber criminals,” Balaba stated during discussions with her colleagues.

She also sought the active involvement of barangay officials in monitoring internet cafés and remittance centers, especially through the scrutiny of children’s behavior by social workers.

Balaba expressed concern about the recurring visits of mothers to remittance centers, potentially acting as facilitators. She stressed the need for vigilance to address this issue.

Majority Floor Leader Edgar Cabanlas expressed his support for the proposal, emphasizing the importance of determining how, where, and what actions should be taken to aid abused children.

However, he called attention to the need for stricter measures against negligent parents.

“Lazy parents who fail to care for their children should be penalized and held liable if this ordinance is passed,” Cabanlas asserted.

After a brief discussion, the proposed ordinance was referred to the Committee on Social Service and the Committee on Public Order and Safety, chaired by Councilor Romeo Calizo.