PNP records 22 cases of cyberbullying since 2017

Cyberbullying (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday it recorded 22 cases of cyberbullying since 2017 until March 2019, with minors comprising most of the victims.

Data from the PNP showed it recorded nine victims of cyber-bullying in 2017; 11 in 2018; and two this year as of March.

According to PNP spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac, the incidents happened mostly through social media.

“Ito ‘yung pinakacommon form of bullying ngayon sa mga kabataan (This is the most common form of bullying among the youth),” he said in a press briefing, adding that most bullying cases committed in person are mostly solved by school personnel.

Banac urged parents of victims of bullying to report the cases to school authorities and to the police.

“Napakahalaga po na maireport ito agad sa pulis para maimbestigahan (It is really important that this be reported to the police so it can be investigated)” he said.

As classes open in June, Banac said the PNP had formed task units to address bullying in schools, among other threats to students, including kidnapping and presence of explosives in school premises.

The PNP will deploy around 120,000 police officers to secure the opening of classes. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)

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