Calbayog Joins Regional Front Against OSAEC; VM Daguman Urges ‘Institutional Harmony’

Posted on Feb. 26, 2026 at 8:59 pm

CALBAYOG CITY — Joining a unified regional front, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman formally committed Calbayog City to the Tri-Justice initiative during its simultaneous launch across Western Samar and Leyte on Thursday, February 19.

The program, held at the Calbayog Sports Center, took place in tandem with similar launches in Tacloban and Ormoc. The initiative marks a significant escalation in the regional fight against the Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSAEC).

Action Over Oratory

In a firm address, Vice Mayor Daguman stressed that public declarations of support are insufficient without a framework for execution. He argued that the success of the Tri-Justice program would not be measured by speeches, but by tangible outcomes in victim protection and the successful prosecution of offenders.

“True success is defined by action,” Daguman stated. “We need institutional harmony to ensure the safety and welfare of every child.”

A Coordinated Defense

A central theme of Daguman’s commitment is the synchronization of local and national efforts. He highlighted two critical pillars for the city’s strategy:

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Breaking down silos between different government agencies to create a seamless, rapid response to reports of abuse.
• Legislative Alignment: Updating and refining local ordinances to mirror broader national legal frameworks, ensuring there are no legal loopholes for exploiters to exploit.

By prioritizing these systemic changes, Daguman aims to transform Calbayog into a “safe haven” for vulnerable minors, signaling a shift from reactive measures to a proactive, institutionalized defense of children’s rights.