Center launched to fight vs online crimes vs kids

Manila - Personnel of local and international law enforcement agencies gathered Wednesday, February 27, at the national police agency headquarters for the establishment of the first Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (Picacc) in Camp Crame.

The Philippine National Police Women and Children's Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), the National Bureau of Investigation Anti Human-Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD), the Australian Federal Police, International Justice Mission, and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, together with several non-government organizations, have partnered for the establishment of Picacc, as they aim to combat online exploitation of children and human trafficking.

The agencies said the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (Osec) is one of the most alarming forms of human trafficking in the country where sex offenders and predators from anywhere in the world can search online and pay for live sexual abuse.

The PNP said that in 2017 alone, the Philippines received 45,645 reports for missing and exploited children related to Osec, in which 50 percent of the rescued victims were ages 12 and below.

The Picacc will serve as the center and connectivity for all WCPC and AHTRAD regional offices where they will be providing national and international support element to those involved in investigation and operation against online exploitation of children.

The center will enhance the capability and connectivity of the agencies in relation to the Osec, said the PNP. PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde lauded its establishment.

“This is the very reason kung bakit tayo merong mga cooperation na ginagawa rito with our foreign counterparts at lahat ng resources to upgrade ng ating equipment ay ginagawa natin para maiwasan natin ito and at the same time, meron tayong unit na nito na ACG (Anti-Cybercrime Group) at saka yung WCPC, kaya although inaamin na medyo talagang mahina pa tayo rito but nasa process pa tayo na iniimprove ang ating technology, that's why we have this partnership with our foreign counterparts,” he said.

WCPC head Chief Superintendent William Macavinta said the establishment of Picacc is a "collective global law enforcement effort" to detect perpetrators and protect the minors.