Muntinlupa City, July 30, 2022. The partners and beneficiaries of the StopOSAEC advocacy led
by football foundation Football for Humanity (FFH) conducted its first face-to-face event since
the pandemic at the Cuenca Covered Court in Ayala-Alabang, to celebrate World Day Against
Trafficking in Persons on the afternoon of July 30, 2022.
Over 130 participants made up of coaches and beneficiaries composed of parents and children
from Metro Manila cities, namely Pasig, Mandaluyong, Rodriguez (commonly known as
Montalban), and Muntinlupa, gathered in the Cuenca court to meet representatives of the
organizations and companies that had supported the project since 2021 and made it possible for
FFH to spread the advocacy to over 30 locations nationwide.

Mr Thanh Le, Development Counsellor of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, led the
sponsors in delivering inspirational messages to the children-beneficiaries of the program’s
educational and empowerment strategy to combat online child pornography — a form of online
trafficking of children. “We collectively have to do everything that we can to provide a safe
environment for children, whether online or offline,” Mr Le advised the audience.
According to the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons website, on a global basis,
“one in every three victims detected is a child.” The report further states that Covid19 further
propelled trafficking on digital platforms, such that the “crime of human trafficking has conquered
cyber space. The internet and digital platforms offer traffickers numerous tools to recruit, exploit, and
control victims…” https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day.

PLDT and Smart Digital Wellness Executive Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera underscored PLDT and
Smart’s commitment in championing their advocacies on children’s rights and online protection
through their Anti-OSAEC initiatives. “Sports and active play empower children to become
mentally resilient, which further enables holistic growth and well-being. As we combat OSAEC,
we take on important steps in contributing to children’s rights to live and thrive in safer spaces,
both offline and online,” Ms. Diaz de Rivera added.

As a sign of solidarity with victims of trafficking from all over the world, all of the participants were
recorded waving blue heart-shaped paper cut-outs while declaring “end human trafficking!” before
FFH coaches began the game-based activities for the children. The same event was conducted
simultaneously in over 20 locations across the country, where FFH coaches are implementing the
StopOSAEC program. The WDAT was commemorated in FFH locations in Davao City, Cebu, Tangub
City, Oroquieta City, San Carlos, Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, Surigao, Butuan, Masbate, and
Dumaguete.

Chris Thomas, FFH Founder and President, speaking from Liverpool in the UK, said, “This is a great
step towards conquering OSAEC. Our team at Football for Humanity is one with the government,
law enforcement, civil societies, and any individual or organization seeking to end this serious
crime against children. There’s so much more ground to cover, but through strategic
collaborations, we will win.”

Ms Jacquelyn Rayela, lead representative of the Department of Justice/Inter-Agency Council Against
Trafficking, delivered a brief but impactful message to remind everyone in the assembly,” …report any
malicious activity online – help us by reporting – Report 1343 Action Line.” The 1343 Actionline is a
24/7 hotline facility launched by the IACAT that responds to emergency or crisis calls from victims
of human trafficking and their families.

The FFH events coincide exactly on the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11930 or Anti-Online Sexual
Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), which lapsed into law on July 30. It is an amendment
to the Anti-Pornography Act or Republic Act No. 9775, which serves to strengthen the law to
protect minors against online sexual exploitation, disregarding any form of consent from the
child, and increases the responsibilities and accountability of social media platforms, electronic
service providers, as well as internet and financial intermediaries.
Football for Humanity Foundation is registered in the Philippines and in the UK. FFH uses the
power of play to educate, empower and protect vulnerable children facing the threat of abuse,
exploitation and trafficking.