Rights advocates call to improve child abuse reporting mechanism in PH

A network of child rights organizations in Asia has urged the Philippine government and stakeholders to strengthen and improve the child abuse reporting mechanism in the country. 

Hazel Bitaña, Deputy Regional Executive Director of Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC-Asia), said that aside from accessibility, an effective feedback system is also important for victims since it not only keeps them updated on the case but also allows them to understand the process. 

"They're (children) asking for accountability. They want a low-barrier reporting mechanism," Bitaña said during TikTok's launch of #ThinkTwice Troop on Thursday in Taguig City.

Bitaña also said children want to take part in the "decision-making" process of the policies concerning their sector.

"They want to have this conversation with the government, with the platforms, with the parents as well. They're open," she said.

Speaking to GMA News Online, Bitaña suggested that instead of creating a new helpline, it is better to strengthen the existing helpline to improve coordination. 

"The fact that the victim, the moment na tinaas niya ‘yung telepono to call, that takes some courage. Pero ‘pag walang sumagot, ‘pag hindi siya satisfied duon sa sinabing, ay hindi kami ‘yan, tawag ka sa iba, maaano na agad siya. Parang ‘yun ‘yung kulang," she said. 

(The fact that the victim made a call, that takes some courage. But if no one answers or they are redirected to another department, they might be discouraged. This effort seems lacking.)

Among the child helplines are the Bantay Bata 163 and the Makabata Helpline 1383 of the Council for the Welfare of Children.

According to Bitaña, they receive reports of child abuse involving victims aged 11 to 18 years old.

She shared that many children are also afraid to report abuses due to fears of victim blaming.

To address this, CRC-Asia conducts capacity building in communities.

"It's not a one-time intervention. Sometimes the change can happen in different setups. It can happen inside the home, but bigger than that, kailangan rin sa school, sa communities," Bitaña said.

ThinkTwice Troop is an advocacy program composed of youth safety advocates and experts, which underscores that protecting teenagers online is a shared responsibility among families, educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities. —RF, GMA Integrated News