CICC, CWC sign accord to boost online safety for children

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

CYBER SAFETY. CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales (2nd from left), CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso (3rd from left), and other government executives sign a memorandum of agreement on the promotion and integration of the “Makabata” Helpline 1326 at the CWC office in Quezon City on Tuesday (March 10, 2026). The CICC said the partnership is mutually beneficial toward boosting the country’s online protection for children. (Photo: Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center – CICC/Facebook)

MANILA – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Tuesday signed a partnership agreement to boost the country’s online protection for children.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, CICC head of communications Aya Macalma said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the two agencies is mutually beneficial, especially in helping the CICC flag criminal cases like scams or modus against children.

“That’s the purpose of the MOA, to help each other out, to improve digital safety for Filipinos, particularly for children,” Macalma said.

In a statement, the CICC said the partnership seeks to scale the “Makabata Program,” particularly on the promotion and operational integration of the Makabata Helpline 1383 with the CICC hotline 1326.

“This 24/7 national reporting mechanism serves as a direct lifeline for children in need of special protection, particularly those facing threats of online violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation,” it said.

Under the MOA, the CICC will lead online and community-based information campaigns to help inform the public about the functions of the Makabata helpline.

In addition, it will provide technical support to the CWC in addressing child protection-related reports, ensuring prompt investigation and quick response to digital threats.

“We are integrating our technical proficiency with the CWC’s deep expertise in child welfare to ensure that no call for help goes unanswered,” it said.

Moreover, the CICC will create a “seamless referral pathway” between the Makabata Helpline 1383 and the CICC Action Center Hotline 1326.

“We are committed to defending the rights of the Filipino youth. We encourage the public to be our eyes and ears on the ground. If you see something or suspect abuse, do not hesitate,” it said.

The MOA was signed by CICC Executive Director, Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso, CWC Executive Director, Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, and other executives of the agencies at the CWC office in Quezon City.