LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has directed barangays to intensify monitoring efforts against operations that may involve minors.
In a press conference on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, Chan emphasized that safeguarding children from sexual abuse is a priority for the City Government, with a focus on strengthening efforts at the barangay level.
“The barangay is the first-hand information to this (sexual abuse cases on children) so we will strengthen it further because we don’t have the technology to intercept such activities or monitor social media; we rely on information from the communities, ” said Chan in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Chan also highlighted Task Force Aibo or Executive Order (EO) 2024-40 that aims to address illegal activities occurring in Lapu-Lapu City which includes issues involving minors who are sexually victimized.
He added that the task force is mandated to conduct the inspections and monitoring of business establishments in the city to ensure that they are compliant with the status and are not employing minors for sexual labor.
The EO outlines the need for coordinated efforts among government and law enforcement agencies to “identify, apprehend, and prosecute” business establishments involved in illicit activities and crimes.
The Office of the City Mayor serves as the implementing office along with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police, among others.
On Nov. 27, three children ages one month old and two eight-year-old twin girls were rescued by NBI 7 after being sexually exploited by their uncle.
The incident occurred at the residence of the sexual perpetrator in Zone Lato, Barangay Calawisan, Lapu-Lapu, who has been receiving remittances from clients, ranging from approximately US$40 for a filmed video to $100 per session for a live performance.
Three cellular phones containing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials and a sex toy were confiscated during the joint operation led by NBI 7.
The accused was charged with violating Republic Act (RA) 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
As of Dec. 9, Chan said the three children are housed in a CSWDO homecare facility.
For CSWDOs intervention, the office will conduct a parenting capability assessment to determine which family members are best suited to care for the children, said CSWDO head Catherine Ladaga in a separate interview.
Additionally, they will provide livelihood and financial assistance, psychological support and counseling, and educational aid to help the family rebuild. / DPC