How to report online child abuse in the Philippines
Exactly who to contact and what to prepare when you need to report online sexual abuse, grooming, sextortion or exploitation of a child in the Philippines.
- Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
- For online abuse, contact the CICC hotline 1326, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI.
- Save evidence like usernames, links and screenshots of chats, but never save or forward sexual images of a child.
- Report to the platform as well, so the account can be removed.
If you think a child is being abused or exploited online, you don't need proof to report. Trained investigators can assess what you've seen. This guide explains where to go and what to prepare.
In an emergency
Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger, is about to meet someone who has been grooming them, or has been harmed.
Who to contact
| Where | When to use it |
|---|---|
| CICC hotline 1326 (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, Inter-Agency Response Center) | Any online crime, including online child abuse, sextortion and scams |
| PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) | Abuse and exploitation of children, including online; can investigate and refer for support |
| PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) | Cybercrime complaints; file at an ACG office or through its official channels |
| NBI Cybercrime Division | Cybercrime complaints and investigations |
| Bantay Bata 163 | Child abuse concerns, counselling and referral |
| Your barangay (BCPC, VAW desk) | Local help, protection and referral, especially if the abuser is in the community |
| Local social welfare office (MSWDO or CSWDO) | Protection, shelter and support for the child |
Numbers and channels change from time to time; if a number doesn't connect, check the agency's official website or verified Facebook page.
Report to the platform too
Every major app has a report option. Report the account and the content for child sexual exploitation or child safety. Platforms are required under RA 11930 to remove such content and preserve evidence for authorities. Reporting to a platform doesn't replace reporting to the police.
What to prepare
Write down or screenshot:
- The username, profile link and display name of the person
- The app or website and the date and time of contact
- Messages that show grooming, threats or requests (screenshots including the username and time)
- Payment details if money was requested or sent: e-wallet numbers, account names, reference numbers
- Anything else they shared: phone numbers, other accounts, locations
What not to do
- Don't save, download, screenshot or forward sexual images or videos of a child, even as evidence. Describe where they are instead. Possessing or sharing them is a crime, even with good intentions.
- Don't confront the person or pretend to be your child to "catch" them.
- Don't delete your child's account or messages. Deactivating may be okay; check with the investigator.
- Don't post about it publicly, which can identify your child and alert the offender.
If an image is spreading
Use Take It Down (takeitdown.ncmec.org) for images of someone under 18. See getting an intimate image removed.
Supporting your child
Reporting can be stressful for children. Explain what will happen in simple terms, stay with them, and reassure them it's not their fault. Ask the investigating office about child-friendly interview rooms and support from a social worker. Bantay Bata 163 and the NCMH crisis hotline 1553 can provide emotional support.
Reporting about someone else's child
If you're worried about a child who isn't yours, for example a neighbour's child you suspect is being exploited, report to the CICC, the PNP WCPC, your barangay or the local social welfare office. You don't need to be certain. See OSAEC in the Philippines.
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