Dipolog joins 17th child sexual abuse awareness week

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The city government here has joined the entire nation in celebrating the 17^th National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation also known as “Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week” (CSAAW) which carries the theme: “Child Pornography Wakasan! Sa Tamang Paggamit ng Internet, Bata ay Gabayan” starting Feb. 9 - 17.

This activity aims to provide awareness to the children, parents, communities and the society on how to make our environment safe, protective and caring for our children.

                     

Several activities had been lined up for the weeklong celebration by the Philippine National Police (PNP) through Police Community Relations Officer PI Ma Kristhyl Agda-Hernandez of the Dipolog City Police Station headed by PSupt. Joven Parcon, in collaboration with the city government through the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

Through the joint efforts of Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), CSWD and the city police officers, an Oplan Sagip-Bata has been conducted every night around the city particularly at the Dipolog City Boulevard, Quezon Avenue and some establishments resulting to the rescue of 12 street children. 

These were brought to CSWD drop-in Center in Minaog, Dipolog City for counseling and safekeeping.

The city is strictly implementing Oplan Sagip-Bata to prevent minor children from committing crimes and/or being used by unscrupulous individuals and groups.

PI Agda-Hernandez explained that this would help mitigate crimes involving minors.

The said celebration is an annual national event pursuant to Proclamation No. 731, dated February 1996 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos.

As the theme suggests, this year’s child sexual abuse awareness week focuses on child pornography and other cyber crimes committed against children.

Laws protecting the rights and welfare of children include Republic Act 9775 or Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, Republic Act No. 7610 or The Special Protection for a Child against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and other related special laws. (PIA9)