Motivation, facilitation, and incarceration: Online sexual abuse or exploitation against children offenses in the Philippines

This paper examines the dynamics of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) offending in the Philippines, drawing on interviews with social workers, law enforcement personnel, NGO staff, government workers, and legal practitioners. Specifically, it investigates how narrative normalization operates in the context of OSAEC and how it shapes the acceptance of child sexual exploitation within families and communities. Findings suggest that OSAEC is often facilitated within the family and, in some communities, has become normalized as a source of income through narratives that minimize its harmful effects. Because OSAEC is perceived as having no physical contact and as contributing to household finances, it is often tolerated despite its severe consequences for children. The incarceration of facilitators—frequently mothers—may further compound children’s trauma and vulnerability. While Philippine laws impose severe penalties on facilitators, sanctions against foreign perpetrators are often perceived as insufficient to deter offending. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that address family and community norms, strengthen public awareness of the harms of OSAEC, and promote safe and protective environments for children both at home and in the broader community.