CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (November 20, 2025, 7:58 pm) – Bukidnon province observed National Children’s Month this November by reaffirming its commitment to enforce laws against the production of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM) and the cases of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC)

In the province’s Malaybalay City on Thursday, parents and community leaders, along with their children, launched a city-wide campaign against CSAEM and OSAEC through community engagements.

Erik Dave Beltran, the executive assistant representing Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, told the participants that the local government has affirmed Republic Act (RA) 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act.

A day earlier, the provincial government also held a Children’s Congress in the city, where Board Member Minerva Casinabe assured that local government units will lead in protecting children’s social welfare and inherent rights.

“We want you to grow in communities where you can study without fear, play without danger, and speak without hesitation,” Casinabe said.

Under RA 11930, penalties increase, the child definition expands to include disabled individuals over 18, and it criminalizes producing, distributing, or possessing child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.

The law also requires collaboration with the private sector, like internet service providers, to help prevent and detect these crimes. (Nef Luczon/PNA)