It’s been eleven years since Cassie was rescued from online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). At 27, she radiates joy. Her smile is warm and her spirit resilient.

“I’m going to continue my advocacy because God is calling me with that job,” Cassie shares with conviction. Her life today is a testament to restoration, courage, and purpose.

Cassie was only 12 when she was trafficked to Manila. For years, she lived apart from her mother, whom she never saw again until shortly before her passing in 2024. “It was very hard,” she recalls. “For almost 15, 14 years… I have never seen her in person.”

Despite the pain, Cassie pressed forward. In 2023, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and now works full-time as an event coordinator. “I actually love my work,” she says proudly. Her financial independence allowed her to support her aging father and build a future she once thought impossible.

Cassie’s journey of healing began in a shelter where she found safety, and sisterhood. “They’re my family,” she says of her fellow survivors. “We love to go out, drink coffee, and bond. We don’t forget each other.” In 2019, IJM declared Cassie’s case closed and her restoration complete. But Cassie’s story didn’t end there—it became a platform for change.

Together with her shelter sisters, Cassie co-founded Buklod Laya (United and Free). The organization supports reintegrated survivors through livelihood projects like the Buklod Laya Kitchen, and trainings in family strengthening. Cassie leads their advocacy efforts, helping others help themselves.

She is also a proud member of the Philippine Survivor Network (PSN), a national movement of survivor leaders. “It’s not just a sisterhood,” she says. “We work together to end OSAEC, to raise awareness. We have confidence and hope that one day, maybe next year, we can end this.”

Cassie’s advocacy is deeply personal. She remembers the other children rescued with her—a 1-year-old, and two others aged 5 and 6. She testified in court, speaking for those who couldn’t. “It motivates me to speak for them, to stand for them and be their voice,” she says. “I’ve always remembered the one-year-old who is innocent, whose dignity was taken.”

Her advocacy now extends to digital safety. Cassie is vocal about the need for accountability from tech platforms.

She recently told her story in a video, which is being used to influence legislation and fintech action in demand-side countries. “We specifically ask that digital services be held accountable for livestreaming child sexual abuse—that such criminal activity be proactively detected and disrupted on their platform,” is IJM’s call to action at the end of her video.

Watch Cassie's Story

Cassie’s advocacy recently took her to the Netherlands, where she spoke about IJM’s work and her own journey as a survivor leader. “It was my first time seeing snow,” she recalled with joy, describing how IJM Netherlands staff welcomed her into their homes and lives. Cassie shared her story in front of hundreds during a speaking engagement, and participated in interviews with media and journalists. “I really love sharing my story,” she said. “Before, I used to cry—not because I was afraid, but because I was happy people were listening.” Now, she speaks with strength and clarity, driven by a deep sense of purpose.

She used her time in the Netherlands to be the voice of survivors on a global stage. Cassie’s presence and message made the urgency real. She called for international collaboration to end OSAEC and hold digital platforms accountable. “I’ve been an advocate for almost eight years now,” she shared. “Step by step, I made it. I always believe in myself, and in the people who believe in me.” From shelter sisterhoods to global forums, Cassie continues to rise—bringing with her the stories, hopes, and dreams of those who cannot yet speak. “Pray for my advocacy,” she asks. “That God will use me more. Pray for my future, my health, and for the survivors. And pray for the government and police—that they will do their job to protect children.”

Cassie is living with purpose. She is shaping a future where children are safe, survivors are empowered, and all are free.