Motivation, facilitation, and incarceration: Online sexual abuse or exploitation against children offenses in the Philippines

File Type

Project Document

Publication Date

2026

Description

This paper examines the dynamics of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) offending in the Philippines, drawing on interviews with social workers, law enforcement personnel, NGO staff, government workers, and legal practitioners. Specifically, it investigates how narrative normalization operates in the context of OSAEC and how it shapes the acceptance of child sexual exploitation within families and communities. Findings suggest that OSAEC is often facilitated within the family and, in some communities, has become normalized as a source of income through narratives that minimize its harmful effects. Because OSAEC is perceived as having no physical contact and as contributing to household finances, it is often tolerated despite its severe consequences for children. The incarceration of facilitators—frequently mothers—may further compound children’s trauma and vulnerability. While Philippine laws impose severe penalties on facilitators, sanctions against foreign perpetrators are often perceived as insufficient to deter offending. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that address family and community norms, strengthen public awareness of the harms of OSAEC, and promote safe and protective environments for children both at home and in the broader community.

About the Project

The Social Development Research Center of De La Salle University implemented the Study of Convicted Online Sexual Exploitation of Children Traffickers in the Philippines from October 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The DLSU-SDRC research team was led by Dr. Melvin A. Jabar, together with Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja and Dr. Zaldy C. Collado. The project was undertaken with Justice and Care and the International Justice Mission.

The study examined how and why convicted facilitators became involved in OSAEC and how they interacted with foreign demand-side offenders. It aimed to inform law-enforcement investigations, technological and financial safeguards, and protective, preventive, rehabilitative, and aftercare measures. Its findings contributed to broader collaborative research involving Justice and Care, Dublin City University, DLSU-SDRC, and the International Justice Mission. The resulting research provides recommendations for improving the detection, deterrence, and prevention of OSAEC in the Philippines.

The published article acknowledges the International Justice Mission’s Centre to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children as a funding and study partner and the Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund for financial support.

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