Top cop takes aim at cyber thugs

I am operationalizing the One Network project under the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management

Go after cybercriminals, especially those who prey on women and children.

This was the strict order issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, PGen. Archie Gamboa, as he vowed the police's intensified campaign against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children.

With this initiative, the PNP, according to Gamboa, will be providing strong law enforcement support to the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking as well as the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice (DoJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other concerned agencies to strengthen the fight against child exploitation and abuse of women.

Gateway for police ops

“I am operationalizing the One Network project under the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management. This will establish network connections from the National Headquarters to 17 Police Regional Offices nationwide," noted the PNP Chief.

One Network will serve as the main gateway where the audio, video, and data communication of the PNP will pass through, making it easier to transfer information and track down cyber criminals.

“Further to this, we continue to strengthen our coordination with our foreign counterparts in the field of international law enforcement to track these suspects of child exploitation online who are usually foreigners in different parts of the world,” Gamboa stated.

A total of 3,699 cases of violence against women and children were recorded during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period from 17 March to 4 June 2020, or 44.7 percent lower than the 6,689 cases recorded during previous 76-day period from 1 January to 16 March 2020.

The top cop, however, reiterated that although the numbers have gone down, the PNP cannot slow down in going after online predators.

Digital footprints

"The PNP is fully prepared to go after them using technology, with One Network linking information, reports and data," he said.

Along with the CHR and DoJ, the PNP, through its Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), urged the public to report any form of online sexual exploitation and human trafficking thru (02) 1343 or at the WCPC Hotline: 0919-777-7377 or (02) 8723-0401 local 5261. Parties may also reach WCPC via Messenger at @wcpcpnp.

Meanwhile, Gamboa had ordered the Directorate for Police Community Relations, under PMaj. Gen. Dionardo Carlos, to look into the reported victimblaming statements posted in official police social media accounts.

The Lucban Municipal Police Station social media post recently drew flak from netizens for allegedly being sexist.

The Lucban Municipal Police Station chief and all personnel who may be behind the said social media post will be made to explain why they allowed the uploading of such statements in their social media account that elicited negative reactions from the public for implied victim blaming.

“The PNP strongly advocates the protection of women and children and maintains a strict set of guidelines for its personnel on the use of social media. Violators may face administrative and even criminal charges, if evidence warrants,” stressed Gamboa.