Manila, August 19, 2024 — In a remarkable demonstration of partnership and goodwill, the United States Department of Justice-Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (USDOJ-OPDAT) has made a substantial donation of equipment to the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), particularly to its OSAEC WIPEOUT Program. Some of the donated office equipment include laptops, projectors, microphone sound systems, and other small office supplies. This underscores the ongoing commitment and support of USDOJ-OPDAT to the efforts of the Philippine government against online abuse of children.

The donation was officially turned over at the Department of Justice (DOJ) through a ceremonial signing of a Deed of Donation between the DOJ officials and OPDAT. USDOJ-OPDAT is represented by Atty. Guia Montealto, Legal Specialist, and Ms Lea Tiquision, Administrative Management Assistant. Undersecretary Nicholas Felix L. Ty, the USEC-in-Charge of IACAT and NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM, led the side of the DOJ together with OIC-Executive Director Barbara Mae Pagdilao-Flores. Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Prosecutor of Region XI, Ritzel R. Polinar read the acceptance speech on behalf of Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz. Finally, Assistant City Prosecutor Peter Paul M. Tombo provided updates on the plans for the OSAEC WIPEOUT Program in the future.

In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Ty underscored that, “the donation of essential equipment from the US-DOJ-OPDAT to the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM represents more than a transfer of resources. It is a powerful affirmation of our collective commitment to combating the scourge of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM). This donation marks a substantial leap forward in our mission. It enhances our technological capabilities, empowering us to respond more effectively and decisively to these grave threats. It reflects not only the strength of our partnership but also the depth of our resolve to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Indeed, since the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM is still in the process of building its bases, the transfer of resources from US-DOJ-OPDAT will significantly bolster the ability of the Secretariat to perform its essential tasks. With these new resources, the OSAEC Program can operate more efficiently and extend its reach to a greater number of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, thereby enhancing collaborative efforts for case building.