CHILD abuse cases related to sexual exploitation and rape in the country decreased by 600 in 2024 from the previous year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The PNP recorded 18,089 cases, a slight decrease from 18,756 in 2023.
PNP-Council for the Welfare of Children Undersecretary Angelo Tapales reported these numbers during a press briefing at the Philippine Information Agency on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Tapales said the overall number of cases, excluding figures from other law enforcement agencies, remains high and should not be seen as a positive development.
He added that child abuse, rape and acts of lasciviousness are the top three child rights violations in the country.
He also revealed that the prevalence of online child abuse and exploitation remains a significant concern, with over 2.70 million cyber tipline leads reported to the Department of Justice. / DPC