Members of the Itogon Municipal Council recently passed Municipal Ordinance No. 217, Series of 2026, establishing strict local regulations to prevent and penalize the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Local officials said the measure will serve as protection of minors from digital dangers, including trafficking, grooming, and cyberbullying, targeting both the perpetrators of abuse and the spread of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials within the municipality.
Sponsored by Councilor Norberto Pacio, who heads the Committee on Social Services, Women and Family, along with committee members Councilor Albert Carantes Jr., Councilor Albino Diego, and Councilor Alejandro Palangdan, the ordinance aligns local safety regulations with Republic Act No. 11930, forbidding the creation, distribution, streaming, and possession of exploitation materials as it outlaws digital grooming and sextortion, a practice where online messages are used to threaten or blackmail minors.
Severe penalties will be enforced against individuals, online platforms, and digital networks that participate in or permit cyber child abuse.
Aside from possible imprisonment once proven guilty, a meager fine ranging from P1,500 to P2,500 including mandatory counselling await violators while those who acts as an accessory to the violation faces an immediate fine of P2,500, counseling, and the filing of necessary complaint on the second offense.
The ordinance also imposes strict reporting of local businesses, including internet cafes, hotels, resorts, and remittance centers.
Owners or employees who notice suspicious online activity targeting a minor are required to report it to the police or the National Bureau of Investigation within 48 hours.
Businesses that fail to report or that neglect child safety face immediate cancellation of their business permits and permanent closure.
The measure also establishes a dedicated support network for victims through the newly created Local Child Protection and Response Center, providing rescued minors with access to emergency shelter, professional medical care, and trauma counseling.
To fund these programs, the town has assigned an initial budget of P300,000 from its yearly funds, which will, as well, provide direct cash aid to assist child victims cover travel and court expenses during investigations.
Local officials are urging community members to report any knowledge of suspicious digital interactions immediately to schools, police, or Barangay Violence Against Women and Their Children desks.
Parents and students are also encouraged to remain vigilant and learn about online privacy and safety to help ensure children remain secure online. Stesha Lev Tamangen | UC Intern
