Iloilo steps up fight against unreported child abuse

ILOILO CITY — Child abuse can remain hidden when families expected to seek help are afraid or unwilling to report cases, a challenge Iloilo officials are seeking to address through stronger coordination among agencies and local governments.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. cited underreporting as a major challenge in child protection during the Oct. 9 signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Iloilo provincial government and the Committee for the Special Protection of Children in Iloilo City.

“The number one problem in child protection is, ‘We don’t know.’ They are not reported. The family will keep it quiet. Why? Because nobody will feed the family. That happens in families and it happens in school. So we have to find ways to have the nerve endings,” Defensor said.

To help address the problem, the provincial government committed to adopting and implementing the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Discrimination, or CANE+D.

The Department of Justice launched the revised protocol on Aug. 14, 2025, in Manila, updating the original framework introduced in 2013.

The revision seeks to provide a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to case management amid evolving forms of abuse and changes in the legal and institutional landscape.

Among the developments addressed by the revised framework is the growing need to respond to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The protocol also reflects newer child protection laws and seeks to clarify procedures and coordination among agencies handling cases.

It guides the case-management process from the identification and reporting of suspected abuse through investigation, legal proceedings, rehabilitation, reintegration and prevention.

The framework is intended to help social workers, law enforcement personnel, health professionals, educators and local officials coordinate interventions while prioritizing the welfare of the child.

Defensor signed the agreement on behalf of the provincial government, while Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez represented the national government side.

Under the memorandum, the provincial government will encourage its 43 component local government units to adopt the revised protocol.

The province also committed to issuing an executive order adopting the framework and designating a provincial focal person.

It will support orientation, advocacy and capacity-building activities for concerned local government units.

Defensor emphasized that collaboration among government agencies and local governments is essential in addressing actual child protection cases.

He also stressed the need to translate the revised guidelines into practical responses at the community level.

The Committee for the Special Protection of Children is the interagency body responsible for coordinating and monitoring investigations and prosecutions involving violations of child protection laws.

Under the agreement, the committee will provide technical guidance and training to support implementation of the revised protocol.

It will also coordinate with relevant national government agencies to promote consistent practices in handling child protection cases.

The memorandum requires both parties to safeguard the confidentiality of case information in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The law governs the proper handling and protection of personal information, including sensitive information involving children and abuse cases.

Justice Undersecretary Majken Anika S. Gran-Ong said the revised guidelines represent a step toward ensuring that children who experience abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination can access protection, appropriate care, and justice through a coordinated response.