Baguio City pushes ‘Sex Offender Registry’ to prevent repeat crimes and protect the vulnerable

Baguio City, Philippines – The City of Baguio is pushing for the registration of convicted sex offenders residing in the city in an effort to prevent repeat offenses and strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups.

The measure was proposed by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. through an ordinance seeking to establish the Baguio City Sex Offender Registry (BCSOR)—a monitoring system that would require convicted sex offenders who are residing, working, studying, or temporarily staying in Baguio to register and disclose their status.

According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Baguio, the system will serve as a proactive measure to deter potential repeat offenses and further protect vulnerable groups, particularly children. To ensure the security and integrity of the database, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the Management Information and Technology Division will be tasked with designing and maintaining the registry’s digital infrastructure.

Under the proposed system, registrants will be classified based on the severity of the crimes for which they were convicted. These include Tier I, covering less serious offenses punishable by one year or less; Tier II, involving more serious offenses or repeat Tier I violations; and Tier III, which includes habitual offenders and those convicted of heinous sexual crimes.

If approved, the registry will be placed under the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), which will be responsible for managing offender registration, maintaining a secure and updated database, and classifying offenders according to the severity of their cases.

In addition to managing the registry, the CSWDO will also provide mandatory counseling and rehabilitation programs for certain offenders.

Meanwhile, the Baguio City Police Office, through its Women and Children Protection Desk, will serve as the enforcement arm of the registry.

Violators of the registration and disclosure requirements may face penalties, including fines ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both. Furthermore, schools, businesses, and accommodation establishments that knowingly employ or house an unregistered offender—or fail to report non-disclosure to authorities—may also be subject to fines.