In a concerted effort to shield children from the perils of online sexual abuse, Iligan City is actively training its barangay officials. This initiative was highlighted during a gathering of the interagency task force on anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in Iligan City, coinciding with Safer Internet Day on February 11, 2025. The focus was on empowering local communities to take a frontline role in law enforcement and child protection.
Armien Alorro, a representative from the Iligan City Justice Zone, emphasized the critical role of communities in identifying and reporting OSAEC incidents. She noted that training sessions were held across all 44 barangays last November, educating local leaders on how to effectively respond to and report such cases to both law enforcement and the inter-agency task force.
The urgency of these efforts was underscored by a recent case reported by the International Justice Mission on February 5, which resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old individual in Barangay Tipanoy. Authorities successfully rescued a 7-year-old girl and six other children, ranging in age from 1 to 11, from the suspect’s residence. Additionally, a 22-year-old woman was also removed from the home, highlighting the broader impact of these criminal activities.