“Trafficking has no borders and thrives on the vulnerabilities of people. It is a threat that undermines the basic foundations of human decency,” he said.

According to Lacson, technology, digitalization, and the internet have made modern life easier and faster, but they also opened up another venue and manner of abuse, particularly to vulnerable Filipino children.

He noted that based on UNICEF research, the Philippines has become one of the world's hotspots for live stream sexual abuse.

“With this grim picture in consideration, I would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to be more aware and vigilant, parents, siblings, guardians, friends, and all sectors, agencies, and stakeholders, for it is only through our united and collective vigilance that we can effectively help eradicate this menace in our midst,” Gov. Lacson said. (AAL/Lljr/PIA 6 Negros Occidental)