Restoring and protecting children and families from trafficking, abuse and trauma.
About Us
Our Mission& Vision
4Freedom is an organisation, looking to help children affected by human trafficking and abuse in the Philippines.
This is done through schools and community outreach, sharing about the dangers of online predators, the importance of child protection and how to get help. They also reach out to survivors of human trafficking, offering projects to help them re-integrate into their communities.
OSAEC – a growing problem in the world.
A big problem that was highlighted a few years ago is the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). These are online shows, directed over the internet by perpetrators, often in the UK, Australia, Germany and America, who pay families to force their children to do unspeakable acts, in the name of ‘entertainment’.
OSAEC is a significant problem in the Philippines, and it affects many regions one of the most affected is a small community called Cordova. This is near the second largest airport in the Philippines and is a magnet for sex tourists and those wanting to exploit and groom children into the sex trade.
Here are some of the main issues associated with OSAEC in the Philippines:
MActan island
In this part of Cebu Province, there have been reported cases of OSAEC, and the issues mentioned above are also prevalent. However, local organizations and authorities, including 4Freedom have been working to raise awareness about OSAEC to children at risk and provide support to OSAEC survivors and their families.
Poverty
One of the main factors that contribute to OSAEC is poverty. Many children in the Philippines come from impoverished families, and they are vulnerable to exploitation because their parents or guardians may not have the means to provide for their basic needs. OSEC perpetrators often lure children with promises of money, food, or gifts, and they use their financial power to manipulate and control them.
Lack of awareness
Many people in the Philippines, including parents and children, are not aware of the risks associated with online activity. They do not understand the dangers of sharing personal information online or engaging in online activities that can put them at risk. This lack of awareness makes children in Cordova and other parts of the Philippines more vulnerable to OSAEC.
Accessibility
With the increased availability and accessibility of technology, OSEC has become more prevalent in the Philippines. Children in Mactan Island and other regions have access to smartphones, tablets, and computers, and they can easily connect with strangers online. This makes it easier for perpetrators to target and groom them.
Cultural factors
Cultural factors also contribute to OSEC in the Philippines. In some communities, there is a lack of awareness about child sexual abuse, and there may be a perception that it is not a significant issue. This can make it difficult for children to report abuse or for adults to take action to prevent it.
Law enforcement challenges
Law enforcement agencies in the Philippines face challenges in investigating and prosecuting OSEC cases. The lack of resources, training, and technology can hinder their efforts to identify and apprehend perpetrators.
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where we work
About the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,100 islands, with only around 2,000 of them inhabited. It is located in southeastern Asia between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The two largest islands, Luzon and Mindanao, make up for two-thirds of the total land area. 4Freedom is based in a town called Cordova, in the province of Cebu which is right in the middle.
Contact
Contact us to see how you can help
There are opportunities to volunteer for 4Freedom either by coming to Cebu, Philippines, or doing remote administration work. If you’re interested in getting more information about what we do, just complete this form and send it back to us.