As early as 2011, the Philippine government, in collaboration with IJM and its stakeholders, has been actively working to investigate instances of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC), bring victims to safety, and hold offenders accountable. Efforts to end this crime persevere, along with the demand for more robust tools and resources.

Thus, ALL SHIELDS UP: H.O.P.E. for Child Protection Strategies (Handbook on OSAEC Prosecution and Enforcement) was released, a handbook of practical templates designed to streamline casework and integrate child-protective strategies. This resource is the result of a multi-year collaboration between IJM, the Department of Justice - Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), and key government partners including the National Coordinating Council Against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), the National Prosecution Service, and various law enforcement agencies.

Streamlining casework and providing child-protective strategies

This handbook came about as a response to an articulated need from busy prosecutors and law enforcement officers for quick access to templates of relevant affidavits, warrant applications, motions, letter requests etc., to use. Primarily intended for anti-OSAEC caseworkers, they can now address the complexities of OSAEC cases with greater precision and confidence.

On top of providing accessibility to ready-made sample templates, H.O.P.E. aims to equip its users to take on a child-protective mindset to secure perpetrator accountability. It introduces four key strategies: Videotaped In-Depth Disclosure Interviews (VIDIs), which allow child victims to provide testimony in a safe, trauma-informed environment, reducing courtroom appearances; Maximizing Digital Evidence, leveraging digital tools to collect, analyze, and present critical evidence while minimizing reliance on victim testimony; Capitalizing on Financial Evidence, tracing and presenting monetary flows to strengthen cases; and Leveraging Plea Bargaining, expediting justice while protecting victims from the emotional strain of testifying.

IJM Philippines’ National Director Samson Inocencio Jr. remarks:

This resource will not only streamline casework but also protect child victims from unnecessary trauma, ensuring a more compassionate and just system for the most vulnerable among us. It reflects the collective expertise and dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and government partners to shield children from harm and secure justice efficiently. We are honored to stand alongside the Philippine government in this vital work.

A momentous collaborative launch

The handbook was officially launched on December 5, 2024, during the Anti-Trafficking Task Force Summit organized by the DOJ-IACAT in Tagaytay City. The launch aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for intensified action against OSAEC.

Undersecretary-in-Charge of the DOJ-IACAT Nicholas Felix Ty reflects:

This handbook is more than a collection of templates and strategies—it is a testament to what we can achieve together. Developed with the insights and expertise of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and technical experts, it addresses the unique challenges of prosecuting OSAEC cases.

The launch included a ceremonial handover of the handbook from IJM to DOJ-IACAT, represented by IJM Cebu Director Lucille Dejito and DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz, symbolizing its official dissemination to government partners.

Attendees, including members of the Technical Working Group who contributed to the handbook’s development, shared insights into its creation and application.

Accessibility and availability

Currently, H.O.P.E. is a limited printed edition for intended users to be distributed to prosecutorial offices and law enforcement units across the Philippines. Please connect with the office of NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM if you wish to confirm and/or request a copy.