Bohol strengthens measures vs online sexual 

exploitation of children amid rising cases, study shows

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – Plan International Pilipinas officially launched its research titled “Safeguarding Young People from the Dark Path of Self-Facilitated Live-Streaming of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA)” on July 24 in Tagbilaran City.

The research highlights the growing risk of children being exploited through live-streamed abuse—often driven by poverty, lack of awareness, and easy access to digital platforms.

One of the study’s focus areas is the province of Bohol, where cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) have become a growing area of concern for local authorities and advocates.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year urged the government and the public to take collective action and exert extra effort to eradicate cases of OSAEC during the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon Summit 2024” in Makati City.

The President emphasized the need for the government to strengthen its efforts against the sexual exploitation of children online.

“For us to allow this to happen in our country, it brings to me an overwhelming sense of shame because being in government, being in public service, we are not doing enough. We must do more,” a teary-eyed President Marcos said.

Child online safety

Prior to the release of the study, the provincial government here had already taken steps to address this problem.

On April 8, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed an ordinance, authored by Second District Board Member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor, showing the province’s strong commitment to child online safety.

Villamor, who attended the research launch, led the symbolic signing of the manifesto to stay active, connected and committed to keep children safe online.

“As author of the Anti-OSAEC) ordinance, I carry with me a deep sense of responsibility to remind everyone that this measure is more than just a policy. It is a shield we are building for our children, who are among the most vulnerable in the digital age,” Villamor said.

“We must draw a clear line: our children deserve to grow up free from harm, especially in spaces meant to educate, connect, and inspire them, such as the internet,” she added.

Plan International Pilipinas has emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to effectively address online sexual exploitation of children.

“Local governments like Bohol are leading the way by working with non-government organizations, communities, and enforcement agencies to address online sexual exploitation of children at the local level,” said Plan International Pilipinas Program Director Cathy Seco.

Rise of online sexual exploitation through livestreaming

The study, supported by the Safe Online global initiative, is the first of its kind in the country to comprehensively explore the socio-economic, emotional, and technological factors that drive children, primarily girls aged 13 to 15, to engage in such acts.

Based on firsthand accounts from survivors, the study shows how children are exposed, groomed, and coerced into sexual exploitation – some in exchange for money, gadgets, or rewards, others through manipulation by partners, peers, or strangers.

In some instances, victims later become recruiters themselves, repeating the cycle of abuse within their circles.

The research also highlights how commonly used digital platforms, such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom, Discord, and even gaming apps like Mobile Legends and Blockman GO, are being exploited as channels for abuse.

“When we say some children ‘self-generate’ to livestream sexual content, we must not mistake this for genuine consent or enjoyment,” emphasized Sheila Estabillo, Project Manager of the Safe Online Research Project in the Philippines.

Estabillo clarified the use of the term “self-generated” or “self-facilitated” is “language commonly used in international standards and frameworks, including Luxembourg Guidelines, Internet Watch Foundation, Interpol, and Europol,” and it does not imply informed consent from the child.

The study introduces the “4Cs” risk framework–Content, Contact, Conduct, and Contract–which captures the layered risks children face online.

The study calls for urgent action to improve laws and programs that protect children.

It also recommends stronger enforcement of child protection laws at the local level, better support services for survivors, regular training for frontline workers (social workers, police, and barangay officials) on how to spot, respond to, and report online abuse, and more efforts to raise public awareness and digital literacy. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)