CWC Partners with PNP to Bolster Helpline Against Cyber Sexual Abuse of Children

MANILA — The Council for Welfare of Children (CWC) has formalized a collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, along with the circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a recent interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, the MOU outlines the roles of the CWC and PNP-ACG in utilizing the CWC’s MAKABATA Helpline 1383 to report and respond to cases of child abuse. The helpline will be manned by specially trained personnel funded by the CWC, while the PNP-ACG’s Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit will actively respond to these reports. Furthermore, PNP plans to promote the MAKABATA 1383 helpline as a crucial resource.

The MAKABATA Helpline 1383, which fields reports of various forms of child abuse including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, has received significant attention with 886 reports and 899 concerns logged as of July 31. A considerable portion of the calls, about 20 percent, related to inquiries on child support, custody, and rights violations. This cooperation comes at a time when child abuse reports are on the rise, with instances linked to modeling scams and child beauty pageants signaling an urgent need for effective intervention.

Additionally, an Executive Order is pending that will enhance the MAKABATA Program, aiming to streamline governmental efforts to protect children, particularly those who have been abused online or offline, or abandoned. This order will also empower the CWC to expand its workforce and ensure the helpline’s availability around the clock.