83 cases of Child Abuse recorded in Baguio City in 2025

Baguio City, Philippines — Despite a “slight decrease” in child abuse cases in the city, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Baguio expressed concern over the still high number of incidents in the Summer Capital, emphasizing that the figures show many children continue to experience violence, exploitation, and neglect.

From January to June 2025, the CSWDO recorded 83 cases of child abuse, according to a report from the Baguio City Public Information Office (BCPIO) released on November 5, 2025.

The CSWDO noted that although the number is lower than last year’s (the exact figure was not disclosed), the decrease cannot be considered “significant” as long as children remain unsafe.

According to CSWDO Social Welfare Officer II Janine Bravo, as cited by the BCPIO, most of the victims are female (52 cases), while 21 are male. Bravo added that many of these abuses occurred inside homes—places that are supposed to be safe. However, the identities of the perpetrators were not disclosed.

Of this year’s 83 cases, physical abuse topped the list with 33 victims, followed by incest rape (21 cases). Other forms of abuse included acts of lasciviousness (13), sexual molestation (7), neglect (7), and emotional abuse (2).

Bravo also revealed that out of the 83 documented cases, only 33 were filed, while 50 remain unfiled. She explained that common reasons victims or their families hesitate to pursue legal action include fear, hesitation, and lack of confidence in seeking justice.

In terms of age, most victims are 12 to 15 years old (33 cases), followed by 16 to 17 years old (17 cases), 9 to 11 (14 cases), 6 to 8 (10 cases), and 0 to 5 years old (9 cases).

To assist the victims, Bravo said the CSWDO continues to coordinate with law enforcement agencies, schools, organizations, and other concerned offices to provide counseling, safe shelter, and legal assistance.