ONLINE Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (Osaec) remains the leading form of human trafficking here in Northern Mindanao, according to the 2024 Annual Report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD 10).
The report recorded 75 trafficking cases in Northern Mindanao, with 49 linked to Osaec.
These cases involved minors being exploited online for sexual content across the region’s four provinces: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. Lanao del Norte logged the highest number of cases.
Other forms of trafficking identified include online pornography involving adults, sexual exploitation, prostitution, illegal recruitment, forced labor, and the recruitment of children into armed conflict.
In the national level, the DSWD, through its Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), assisted 2,024 victims in 2024.
“Together, we can combat human trafficking, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure the recovery and well-being of survivors,” the DSWD said in a statement.
The government allocated P24.9 million to provide shelter, medical care, education, and livelihood support for survivors.
Here in Northern Mindanao, DSWD-10 extended comprehensive services to victims, including psychosocial counseling, educational aid, livelihood programs, medical assistance, and legal support.
Social workers conducted thorough assessments to tailor interventions to each survivor’s needs.
The program also helped families of survivors through temporary shelter arrangements and reintegration support to promote holistic recovery.
With traffickers increasingly using online platforms to target victims, the DSWD pointed out the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement to combat Osaec and other forms of exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report trafficking cases through the RRPTP Helpline at 0928-386-5232.
