President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was moved to tears during his speech at the anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Summit 2024 in Makati City.
Prior to the President’s message, a survivor of OSAEC shared her harrowing experience of being abused several years ago.
The survivor, Charito, revealed that she was only 13 years old when the abuse occurred.
Despite the ordeal, Charito fought back, filed a case against her abusers, and eventually obtained justice after a decade-long battle.
However, she lamented that the perpetrators behind the crime remain at large.
As Charito recounted her story, President Marcos could not help but shed tears and ponder the countless children who may be suffering at the hands of OSAEC perpetrators.
The President expressed shame over the government’s inadequate response to this heinous crime and the Philippines’ reputation as an epicenter of OSAEC.
In response, President Marcos has directed government agencies to intensify their efforts in pursuing and prosecuting those involved in such crimes.
He emphasized that this kind of atrocity must not be allowed to continue.
The summit brought together national and local leaders to unite in the fight against online child sexual abuse.
A strategic campaign was launched to encourage communities to report OSAEC cases.