Proposed ordinance prohibiting acts of online sexual abuse of children for further review

THE City Council Committees on Social Services, on Public Order and Safety, on Sports and Youth Development, chaired by Councilors Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba, Romeo V. Calizo, and Kenneth John Sacala, in its joint meeting three days ago, have endorsed the proposed ordinance prohibiting acts of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) for further review and revision.

This, after Councilor Balaba expressed her apprehension on the retitling of the ordinance as suggested by the technical working group (TWG) which reads as: “An Ordinance Creating the Cagayan de Oro City Anti-Child Abuse Council, defining its Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for other purposes”.

As proposed by Balaba, the ordinance covers all households, internet and allied business establishments, private business establishments, government agencies and its facilities.

“We really need this kay recently nay nadakpan didto sa Gingoog na mismo ang inahan ang nagbaligya  sa iyang duha ka anak using child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) in the video. Kaning title dapat ma specify gyud diri ang online sexual abuse,” the lady councilor pointed out.

For his part, Atty. Edgardo Uy said the idea of the TWG was to create a council that will serve as the umbrella for different task groups for the protection of children.

“But it depends on the direction of the committee if we will focus on the OSAEC, then we can amend the structure and refer this back on the table and discuss again with the TWG,” he further affirmed.

Likewise considered was the inclusion of the provision citing the partnership between the city government and the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit (RACCU).

Update from TWG

According to Mr. Jonah Domingo, Head of the TWG, during their meeting with RACCU in the past week, there was a suggestion for the city to establish a dedicated room managed by a multi-professional team that will interview the victims. A first not only in the region but also for the country, he added.

Furthermore, the Cagayanon Task Force on OSAEC was also created. It will be headed by the DOJ, OCP or CSWD with members from COCPO, RACCU, FBI, City Prosecutors Office and different NGOs and shelters that can cater survivors.

Another round of discussion shall be scheduled again as soon as the foregoing recommendations have been undertaken.