Council approves anti-OSAEC regulation

INDIVIDUALS caught exploiting young children in the city of Lapu-Lapu will now be punished under an ordinance recently approved by the city council on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

The Lapu-Lapu Municipal Council has adopted on its third and final reading an ordinance aimed at protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse on the Internet.

Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, lead author of the ordinance, confirmed this through a message sent to SunStar Cebu on Sunday, October 27.

The city ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Prohibiting Internet Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (Osaec) and Institutionalizing Programs for its Prevention and Eradication and Other Related Purposes” aims to prevent the proliferation of Internet sexual abuse against the use of children in profitable obscene material. .

Cuizon said the city ordinance will protect children from abuse using technology, especially computers, cellphones and cameras.

“With the approved ordinance, Oponganons can expect a strengthened and functional Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, child-friendly businesses and a more vigilant community,” Cuizon said.

“This is our gift to the children of Lapu-Lapu, just in time for the Children’s Month celebration in November,” she added.

The ordinance outlines a series of penalties, including for the first offense, where violators must be fined P3,000 and undergo a mandatory Osaec seminar. For the second violation, a fine of P4,000 will be imposed along with a mandatory Osaec seminar.

Finally, violators who violate the ordinance for the third time will be penalized with P5,000, and undergo a mandatory Osaec seminar and imprisonment.

Businesses that violate provisions of the ordinance will face suspension of their business licenses for the first and second violations. Violators who violate the law for the third time or more may face revocation of their permit.

In addition, if any government agency, office or employee violates any provision of this regulation, they will be subject to administrative action.

Cuizon also highlighted existing cases where parents are responsible for forcing children into sexual activities.

She stressed that guardians and relatives who exploit their own children, regardless of the damage done to the child’s innocence, will not be exempt from the law.

On November 5, the International Justice Mission will present to the city government, together with other stakeholders, the findings of its investigation into Osaec, emphasizing the importance of implementing measures related to the issue.

The proposed regulation is in accordance with national laws, in particular Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Osaec and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act and RA 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2022. / DPC