Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that a government inter-agency group dedicated to child protection is actively conducting studies to improve assistance and ensure justice for victims of abuse. The Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC), which includes the BI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is focusing on enhancing responses and support for vulnerable children.

According to Philippines News Agency, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasized that the inter-agency team is identifying potential obstacles in the current system that hinder assistance to abused children. The team has engaged in several discussions and meetings with representatives from various agencies to address these issues. Sandoval highlighted that the BI has revamped its system to streamline case management, covering everything from victim assistance to the interception and arrest of accused individuals.

A revised protocol for managing cases involving child victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination (CANE+D) was unveiled at the DOJ office in Manila. This guide is designed to aid government agencies and stakeholders in handling sensitive cases, incorporating recent laws, emerging technologies, and updated best practices in child protection to ensure responsive and efficient interventions.

The BI is crucial in preventing cross-border trafficking and exploitation of children, with frontline officers trained to identify potential human trafficking and child exploitation cases at entry and exit points. Sandoval mentioned that the BI has implemented an advanced passenger information system, with over 20 airlines already connected, to vet individuals as soon as they check in from their country of origin.

The Shield Kids campaign has been introduced in airports and BI offices to encourage public reporting of foreign nationals involved in child exploitation. The initiative is in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), which offers a youth helpline (1383) for reporting purposes.

Sandoval assured that interactions with young victims are conducted sensitively to avoid further trauma, with the DSWD playing a significant role in intervention efforts. For trafficking cases, subjects are referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, where the DSWD intervenes to protect and pursue justice for the victims.