Child abuse cases in Caraga down 20%, but online threats surge

BUTUAN CITY (November 19) — Child abuse cases in Caraga fell by 20% this year, police reported, even as authorities warn that online exploitation is becoming a growing danger for children.

From January to Nov. 6, the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk logged 567 cases, down from 739 last year. Police Maj. Arlene T. Ga credited the drop to stronger information drives and faster community reporting, shared during the Kapihan sa PIA Caraga event.

But the fight is far from over. The youngest sexual abuse victim this year was just two years old, Ga said. And a recent rescue in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur exposed the darker online trend: four minors—including an 8-month-old baby—were saved from a mother accused of selling their photos online.

Violations of RA 7610 and rape cases both dropped by 25%, though most victims were aged 11 to 14, and the suspects were often people they knew.

Ga urged parents to closely watch their children’s online activity, calling digital exposure “one of the fastest-growing risks.” Police desks across Caraga remain on standby to assist victims, while inter-agency groups continue pushing for stronger child protection efforts.