Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. assured Radhika Coomaraswamy, special representative for Children and Armed Conflict of the UN Secretary General that the Philippines has put in place an extensive program to protect children in conflict-affected areas in the country.
Accodring to Esperon, the protection of children, especially in conflict-affected areas are clearly embodied in the Philippine Constitution and in 5 landmark legislations namely Presidential Decree 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) and Republic Act 7610 (providing for special protection of children against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination).
