Ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the Tri-City Special Justice Zones in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday (Sept. 3, 2024). (Photo courtesy of CDO-CIO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cities in Northern Mindanao expressed support Tuesday for the launch of new special justice zones designed to combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
The Justice Sector Coordinating Council, led by the Supreme Court (SC), designated Iligan City, Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental and Cagayan de Oro as Tri-City Special Justice Zones against OSAEC.
At the launch, Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, alongside child protection advocates, emphasized the zone's role in enhancing OSAEC response capabilities and fostering collaboration.
"We are confident that this special justice zone will boost our efforts against OSAEC, offering new opportunities to collaborate and access vital networks," Siao said.
The International Justice Mission (IJM) in 2022 said Iligan was a hotspot for OSAEC. Since then, an ordinance has been enacted to strengthen anti-OSAEC measures.
In Cagayan de Oro City, 1st District Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba announced that the city council passed an anti-OSAEC ordinance on Aug. 19.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez noted that the new justice zones are expected to be responsive to community needs, especially in handling OSAEC cases.
“The guidance we will receive will improve our governance capacity,” she said.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh said justice zones were established in 2010 under a memorandum of agreement by the Judiciary Executive Legislative Advisory Council.
“The establishment of justice zones aligns with the SC's strategic plan for judicial innovations for 2022-2027,” Singh said.
This year, Cagayan de Oro City becomes the 14th justice zone, with Iligan City and Ozamiz City as the 15th and 16th zones, respectively. (PNA)
