The Department of Justice (DOJ) is stepping up efforts to combat human trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) through proposed legislative reforms and tighter inter-agency coordination.

Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida met with Sen. Loren Legarda to discuss strengthening Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, and Republic Act No. 11930, amid rising cross-border and tech-driven trafficking schemes.

The DOJ also pushed for the passage of the Expanded Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Bill, a priority measure under the administration, and proposed stronger border monitoring, including vessel registration and maritime surveillance.

It likewise called for closer coordination between the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM to speed up victim-centered responses.

Officials said the initiative aims to close legal gaps and strengthen protection for women and children.