Cyber Abuse Survivor Urges N. Mindanao Frontliners to Intensify Fight

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — “Let us be the light in someone’s darkness,” an online abuse survivor told participants of the five-day Multi-Disciplinary Team and Basic Internet Crimes Against Children (MDT-BICAC) Training held here that ended Friday, July 31. Carel, not her real name, is a survivor of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). The training aimed to bring together professionals from various sectors, including law enforcement, child welfare specialists, and medical practitioners, to address OSEC and other internet crimes against children. Carel shared the harrowing reality of her experience with online exploitation, urging for strengthened support systems for victims and intensified efforts in crime prevention. Cybercrimes, particularly those targeting the youth, are on the rise in the Philippines, making their prevention and prosecution a pressing issue. For a country that heavily relies on overseas Filipino workers (OFW), internet-based crimes can have far-reaching impacts not only within the country but also on families abroad. This training seeks to enhance collaboration among relevant agencies, improve information sharing, and bolster joint investigation capabilities to protect victims and swiftly identify and prosecute offenders. Carel’s plea served as a renewed call to action for frontliners, emphasizing the importance of providing more comprehensive and immediate support to ensure victims do not feel alone.