Cho bats for ‘zero cybercrime’ in Cordova town

The municipality of Cordova continues to combat online sexual abuses with the recent passage of a new ordinance granting monetary incentives to informants.

Cordova Mayor Maria Therese Cho said the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) Informants Incentives Ordinance is aimed at eradicating cybercrimes in the municipality, a coastal community.

“We are fighting it. I am aiming for zero cybercrime in Cordova,” she said.

Cases of cyber pornography or child trafficking have been reported in the town over the past years.

The town recently passed the said ordinance granting P20,000 in cash incentives to those who can provide the local government with information on activities involving OSEC.

The approval came after the conviction of a 25-year-old mother who used her two daughters for online sex in exchange for money.

The ordinance assures confidentiality of the identities of the tipsters.

Section 4 of the legislation states that all information, including but not limited to the identities of the informant, perpetrators and victims, will be strictly confidential and may be disclosed upon order of the court.

The town though is still waiting for the approved and published Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the proper implementation of the ordinance.

Aside from the ordinance, the town has also strengthened its information drive on OSEC.

Cho said the town has partnered with nongovernment organizations and other stakeholders for the campaign.

“We conduct information campaign in schools to educate our children about cybercrime and online sex trafficking,’ she said.

Also, the town has established a Child Protection Unit and tapped barangays and puroks to monitor OSEC activities in their respective areas.