MANILA — To improve the government’s response to child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) established the Tri-City Justice Zones in Tacloban City, Calbayog City, and Ormoc City on Thursday.
The Department of Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government make up the JSCC.
The SC said in a statement, “The three cities in Eastern Visayas were selected after being identified as among the areas most affected and vulnerable to OSAEC and CSAEM”
The three agencies hope to improve case management, expedite case handling, increase collaboration, and fortify safeguards against child abuse and exploitation through the JSCC.
Key issues such victims’ reluctance to testify against their parents, the possibility of minors becoming involved in exploitation as a result of financial difficulty, and the involvement of foreign nationals are also addressed by the effort.
The SC stated that in order to promote more effective procedures and provide prompt justice, the JSCC keeps enhancing coordination within the justice system.
Officials from the Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and Department of the Interior and Local Government form the JSCC, which oversees these justice zones as part of broader efforts to reform and strengthen the Philippine justice sector.
Before launching these zones in Eastern Visayas, the JSCC conducted a readiness assessment to ensure that local justice sector stakeholders were prepared and committed to pursuing justice reforms and child protection initiatives.
Separately, other regions like Central Visayas have also seen increased attention on child protection—such as reports that at least 50 children were rescued from online abuse operations in 2025, leading to renewed calls for stronger vigilance and protective actions from authorities, families, and communities.
Experts say this integrated model not only improves legal outcomes but also helps restore community trust and encourages reporting of abuse, which is vital for prevention and protection efforts.
