Philippine DOJ bolsters fight against OSAEC and CSAEM as Tri-City Justice Zones launch in eastern Visayas　

The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines joined the country's Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) on February 19, 2026, for the simultaneous launch of the Tri-City Justice Zones in Tacloban, Ormoc, and Calbayog. These specialized zones focus on intensifying the Philippine government's crackdown on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM).

The establishment of these Justice Zones is a landmark initiative of the JSCC, composed of the #SupremeCourtPH (SC), the #DOJPH, and the #DILGPH.

Leading the DOJ contingent in Tacloban City were Secretary Fredderick A. Vida and Undersecretary Nicolas Felix Ty, alongside JSCC principals SC Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda and Maria Filomena D. Singh, and DILG Undersecretary Jon Paulo V. Salvahan.

In a candid and spirited extemporaneous address, Secretary Vida chose to speak directly to local stakeholders, drawing from his experience as a former local chief executive. He emphasized that the success of the Justice Zones depends on local ownership rather than directives from Manila.

"The challenge here for the justice zones of Calbayog, Tacloban, and Ormoc is to shape it according to your needs. Kayo ang mag-guide," Secretary Vida declared. He reminded the audience that while national officials are "fleeting," the local actors are permanent. "The time of the colonizers has passed... what we can only do is to open this opportunity for coordination, communication, and cooperation."

Beyond coordination, Secretary Vida announced significant upgrades to the Department's "arsenal" in fighting cyber-predators. He revealed that a bill to amend and strengthen the OSAEC-CSAEM law is now being prioritized by the government.

“Hopefully, we will have more tools, more weapons, in our fight [against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children],” the Justice Secretary noted, stressing the need for the law to keep pace with technology.

In addition, Secretary Vida highlighted a massive boost in DOJ's manpower. He expressed gratitude to the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management for the significant increase in the number of prosecutors since 2022.

Addressing the local judges, Secretary Vida gave his assurance: "We will now have more prosecutors to attend the hearings. Our prosecutors would be better equipped and ready."

The simultaneous nature of the event was felt across the region, with JSCC representatives spearheading satellite launches in two other cities, namely:

In Calbayog City, Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez joined local leaders at the Calbayog Sports Center.

In Ormoc City, Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz represented the Department at the Sabin Resort Hotel.

While the JSCC principals addressed the systemic need to bridge the "fragmented approach" in the judiciary, Secretary Vida's remarks served as a call for local empowerment backed by national resources. He concluded by reiterating that while the JSCC provides the framework, the journey of delivering justice lies in the hands of the local actors in Eastern Visayas.