By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday that cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) should not be settled at the barangay level, saying that the interest of the child shall be prioritized.
“Ito iyong wina-warning ko sa lahat ng mga barangay, hindi na puwedeng mag-settle dito, hindi puwedeng mag-settle, I’m warning you, sa lahat ng mga nanood ngayon. Mga bata dito ang biktima, ito’y krimen hindi ito sasabihin kamera na nakatutok na ganoon, kasi may ganyang thinking eh, sabihin ‘di ba camera lang iyan,” Interior Secretary Bejamin Abalos Jr. said.
The DILG chief emphasized that those who would choose to settle such case would also face imprisonment.
“No, kahit camera, ke ano iyan ito’y krimen laban sa bata. Kaya kung sino man ang makikipag-settle dito, I will make sure makukulong din kayo, I will make sure of that, we will make sure of that iyan ang proseso kaya iyan ang utos sa amin ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said barangay officials may be held liable under Section 4 of RA 11930, or Anti-OSAEC Law under the clause on permitting or influencing the child to engage, participate or assist in any form of CSAEM.
(el Amigo/mnm)
