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)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ), Supreme Court, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have launched their 13th Justice Zone in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

According to the DOJ, Justice Zones are strategic geographic locations focused on coordinating among the SC, DOJ, DILG, and other Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) partners for the speedy and efficient administration of justice within a local sphere.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla assured that justice would always prevail.

“The Department of Justice is honored to be part of this momentous occasion where we can stand united once again with our partners in the swift and efficient administration of justice. On behalf of the Department, I want to reiterate my commitment that we will be relentless and unwavering more than ever in our pursuit of justice,” Remulla said.

Meanwhile, in his message delivered by DILG Undersecretary Lord A. Villanueva, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos expressed solidarity in the cause of bringing accessible justice for all.

“Ang DILG, bilang isa sa mga bumubuo sa JSCC kasama ang SC at DOJ, ay patuloy na magta-trabaho para siguruhin ang paglaganap ng kapayapaan, kaayusan, at pagtataguyod ng hustisya para sa lahat sa ating bansa,” he said.

The DOJ, SC, and DILG are member agencies of the JSCC, which was institutionalized under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

Justice Zones were also earlier installed in Quezon City, Cebu City, Davao City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Naga City, Calamba City, Balanga City, Baguio City, Zamboanga City, Tagaytay City, and Puerto Princesa City.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has called on members of the Philippine National Police’s 84th Special Action Company – Rapid Deployment Battalion to give their best and “learn from the world’s best” as they represent the country in the 2024 UAE SWAT Dubai Police Challenge.

“This team will symbolize our country. You are the best of the best. Iba ang tapang, galing, at puso ng Pilipino (The bravery, expertise, and heart of Filipinos is unlike any other),” he said during his command visit at the Special Action Force (SAF) Headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan on Friday afternoon.

The UAE SWAT Challenge, hosted by the Dubai Police, is an annual competition organized to foster an exchange of tactical techniques and skills among international special units and tactical teams.

The 13-man delegation will participate in the competition on Feb. 3-7, where they will test their mettle against 81 other SWAT teams representing 70 countries through a gauntlet of tactical and operational challenges.

Abalos said he was hoping that the competition would not only center around winning but also for the improvement of the local cops’ prowess in ensuring peace and order in the communities.

“Life is a continuous learning process. A good way of learning is being exposed to international competitions,” he said. “In this competition, take note of the advancements made by other countries. This will not only help bolster ours but will also be instrumental in saving lives in the future.”

He likewise urged the delegates to “carry not only their families and communities in this competition, but the whole country and its pride, as well.”

As a token of support, Abalos pledged PHP50,000 for each member of the SAF delegation.

(el Amigo/MNM)