The European Union (EU) and the Philippine government held a dialogue to enhance collaboration in addressing the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
The dialogue, conducted during the EU delegation’s official visit in Manila, focused on strengthening international cooperation, addressing legal and enforcement gaps, and incorporating survivor-informed approaches into national policies.
Philippine authorities presented recent efforts, including prosecutions, victim rehabilitation, and inter-agency operations, while highlighting the scale of the issue.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz, citing a 2022 International Justice Mission study, noted that nearly half a million Filipino children were being exploited by foreign users of online sexual abuse materials.
“As long as we have one case that is still happening in our country, we want to push for better cooperation with our foreign counterparts,” she added.
During the discussion, persistent obstacles such as challenges in digital evidence collection, jurisdictional conflicts, and limited resources were identified.
Moreover, it was stressed that survivor involvement in program and policy development must remain a priority.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development highlighted the importance of trauma-informed, survivor-led interventions to ensure effective and appropriate support.
The EU delegation expressed support for technical training for investigators and judges, legislative alignment, and intelligence-sharing to address the transnational nature of the crime.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Caterina Chinnici stated that both the EU and the Philippines share the goal of protecting children from sexual abuse, both online and offline.
“This meeting is a step toward stronger international cooperation to achieve that goal,” she said.
The dialogue concluded with key stakeholders reaffirming their dedication to expanding international efforts to prevent abuse, bring perpetrators to justice, and strengthen victim support systems.
The EU delegation was led by Emilio Puccio, Secretary General of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Children’s Rights, along with MEPs Hilde Vautmans, Evin Incir, and Chinnici.
The event was co-hosted by IJM Philippines and the DOJ’s National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM, and brought together key officials from Philippine agencies, EU institutions, and civil society organizations.
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