WE NEED MORE CHILD PROTECTION UNITS

WE NEED MORE CHILD PROTECTION UNITS

Ensuring the safety and welfare of children is one of the most important responsibilities of any society. In the Philippines, there are at least four laws that serve as the legal basis for establishing more Child Protection Units (CPUs), with Republic Act 7610—also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act—being the most prominent. However, despite these laws, the presence of CPUs remains insufficient, leaving many children vulnerable and without immediate support.

One of the most pressing concerns is the apparent lack of a directory for existing CPUs, making it difficult for victims and their guardians to find assistance. While the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides a national hotline (1349) and a crisis hotline (0918-912-2813), many victims and their families may not be aware of these resources. What is clear is that a CPU exists at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and theoretically, larger police stations should have one as well. However, in practice, accessibility remains a major issue.

CPUs are supposed to be equipped with Sexual Assault Investigation Kits (SAIKs), commonly known as rape kits, to collect vital DNA evidence in cases of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, many CPUs lack the necessary equipment and resources to properly perform these tasks. This could stem from budgeting and procurement issues—either there is no dedicated budget for these supplies, or there is a lack of awareness among officials about the necessity of maintaining a steady stock of these kits. Furthermore, staffing and training are additional concerns. Some police stations may not have personnel trained to properly collect and preserve forensic evidence, while others may not have enough staff assigned to child protection at all.

The root of this issue appears to be a lack of coordination among agencies responsible for child welfare, including the DILG, PNP, DOH, DOJ, and DSWD. What should the ideal workflow of coordination be? Should there be dedicated police officers stationed in hospitals alongside DSWD personnel? Or should DSWD assign staff directly to police stations to ensure that victims receive proper assistance from the moment they report a crime? Furthermore, since rape kits and other forensic evidence must be carefully stored, is the PNP equipped with the necessary facilities to handle and preserve these sensitive materials?

Perhaps it is time to revisit the existing laws and introduce amendments that would allocate more funding for the collection, storage, and proper handling of DNA evidence in child abuse cases. Additionally, the role of the National Council for the Welfare of Children (NCWC) in these efforts should be clarified. Are they actively present in hospitals and police stations to provide oversight and guidance?

Fortunately, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the Child Protection Network (CPN) are stepping in to help. The CPN provides hotline numbers—0915-780-7884 (Globe) and 0968-295-7977 (Smart)—that help those in need. Their support is invaluable, but NGOs alone cannot fill the gaps left by inadequate government infrastructure.

To truly protect the nation's children, the government must take decisive action. More CPUs need to be established, properly staffed, and equipped. A centralized directory of CPUs should be made available to the public, and stronger inter-agency coordination must be implemented. The safety of our children depends on it.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

03-20-2025

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