18,756 children’s rights violations recorded in 2023

MANILA, Philippines — Over 18,000 reports of child violations have been documented in the country for 2023, a majority of which were cases of rape and acts of lasciviousness, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) said yesterday.

Based on the records of the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center, a total of 18,756 reports of child violation were logged for the year 2023. Of this number, 17,304 were “rape and acts of lasciviousness.”

“Since 2016, these are the top violations committed against children,” CWC executive director Angelo Tapales said.

According to him, this month’s 32nd celebration of the National Children’s Month (NCM) is focused on advocating an end to all forms of violence against children.

He also encouraged the public to help the cause by reporting child abuse cases and other forms of violations against minors to the Makabata helpline 1383.

As an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the CWC performs the function of formulating policies and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of laws and programs for children below 18 years old.

The CWC will launch the 4th National Plan of Action for Children, which will contain the government’s comprehensive policy on advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation across the Philippines.