Iligan City Tackles Online Sexual Abuse with Landmark LegislationOver 130 Arrested in Anti-Illegal Fishing CrackdownCordillera Administrative Region Seeks to Diversify Tourist Destinations Beyond Baguio
ILIGAN CITY — In a significant move to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), Iligan City has implemented groundbreaking policies, marking a crucial step in local government unit (LGU) efforts to address this pressing issue.
According to Philippines News Agency, a non-governmental organization, Iligan City was identified as a hotspot for OSAEC, ranking third nationwide and first in Mindanao in the prevalence of such cases.
The alarming statistics were brought to light during a multi-stakeholder gathering organized by IJM in September 2022, where Iligan City was the only LGU present. Armien Aloro, an executive assistant to the Iligan Mayor and the city’s representative at the event, expressed initial surprise at the city’s ranking, highlighting the urgency for action.
In response to the challenge, Iligan City officials, led by Councilor Rosevi Queenie Belmonte and Aloro, who also serves as the acting focal person for the City’s Social Welfare and Development, took proactive steps to curb the menace of OSAEC. Notable among these measures was the passage of Ordinance 23-7283, filed by Belmonte, which not only penalizes OSAEC activities but also establishes support mechanisms for victims.
The ordinance came in the wake of the enactment of Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, under which Iligan City has already seen three convictions. This legislative framework underscores the LGU’s commitment to eradicating OSAEC and supporting affected children and their families.
Efforts to address the issue have yielded significant progress, with Aloro noting a marked improvement in Iligan City’s ranking related to OSAEC cases. From being the top-ranked in Mindanao, the city has successfully dropped out of the top 10 list due to its vigorous rescue operations and preventive measures.
The fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation in Iligan City exemplifies the critical role of LGUs in tackling such pervasive issues through legislative action, policy implementation, and community engagement. As the city continues to strengthen its initiatives, the goal shifts towards ensuring that Iligan remains off any list related to OSAEC, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
Caraga Region, Philippines – In a significant enforcement action, authorities have arrested at least 139 individuals in a series of anti-illegal fishing operations conducted from February 24 to 26 across the Caraga Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13), the operations resulted in the confiscation of PHP1 million worth of fishing paraphernalia, gear, and equipment used in illegal activities.
The PRO-13’s efforts underscored a commitment to stringent enforcement of regulations against illegal fishing practices to protect marine ecosystems within the region. Police units successfully seized 245 illegal fishing items, including unregulated fishnets, fishing gears, and trawlers, alongside 22 motorized and six non-motorized fishing boats.
The individuals apprehended in the operations were issued citation tickets for violating local fishing ordinances. The arrests were made across several provinces within the region, with 70 individuals from Dinagat Islands, 24 from Agusan del Norte, 20 from Surigao del Sur, 14 from Agusan del Sur, and 11 from Surigao del Norte.
MANILA – In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), efforts are underway to elevate tourism in provinces beyond the popular city of Baguio, with initiatives aimed at broadening the region’s appeal to visitors.
According to Philippines News Agency, since 2020, over 6,000 stakeholders have participated in refresher courses for medical and tourism sector frontliners and culinary training. These programs are designed to enhance the tourism infrastructure and services in other parts of CAR, ensuring a wider distribution of tourist traffic throughout the region.
Ganongan emphasized that these efforts have prepared the provinces for an influx of tourists, with attractive destinations ready to be explored. The region, which saw about 1.5 million visitors flocking to Baguio City alone in 2023, aims to surpass the pre-pandemic annual tourist arrival figure of two million. This ambition is supported by the training and aid provided to 25,000 tourism workers during the pandemic, alongside continuous enhancements to local attractions and facilities.
Highlighting the potential of lesser-known locales, Ganongan shared her recent experience in Apayao, where the Apayao River offers a unique and refreshing eco-tourism experience. This attraction, along with others like the Luna, Pudtol, and Sta. Marcela Circuit, as well as the culturally rich province of Kalinga, exemplifies the diverse tourism opportunities within CAR. These efforts are complemented by calls for further investment in accommodations and restaurants to support an anticipated increase in tourist numbers.
With CAR’s tourist arrivals reaching 1.6 million in 2023, an increase from 1.28 million the previous year, Ganongan expressed optimism about achieving and even exceeding the region’s tourism goals. The strategy to promote destinations beyond Baguio City is central to this vision, aiming to offer visitors a broader spectrum of experiences across CAR.