THE Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has intensified its child protection initiatives to ensure the safety and welfare of minors across the province, including in schools and in their communities.

Among the key efforts rolled out are school-based information drives, community dialogues on abuse prevention, and public awareness campaigns focused on child safety.

In an interview, Police Colonel Arbel Mercullo, officer-in-charge PPO director, said their information campaigns go beyond proper child handling as they also tackle crimes involving children, such as abuse, exploitation, and physical violence.

According to data from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), 336 cases of child-related crimes were recorded in the province from January 1 to August 20, 2025 — a notable decrease from the 473 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

The most commonly reported offenses are: acts of lasciviousness, 49 cases; rape, 116; reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, 49; and child abuse and exploitation, 74.

Mercullo stressed that while the decrease reflects the effectiveness of current police efforts, the figures are still alarming and underscore the need to further strengthen child protection systems.

Under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act, individuals found guilty of child-related offenses may face up to 20 years of imprisonment, fines of up to P300,000, and mandatory counseling.

Mercullo also highlighted the critical role of the community in preventing these crimes, saying: “Child safety is a shared responsibility.” (Ahikam Pasion)

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