PNP to boost campaign vs online women, children sexual abuse

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it would boost its campaign against perpetrators of online sexual exploitation of women and children.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered the PNP-Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management (DICTM) to connect the PNP National Headquarters and the 17 police regional offices nationwide by putting up “One Network” that will serve as a “main highway that has audio, video, and data communication” for easier exchange of information and facilitate tracing of cybercriminals.

“Go after cybercriminals, especially those who prey on women and children,” he said in a statement.

Gamboa also noted that they will work with their foreign counterparts to track down foreign cybercriminals involved in online child abuse.

According to PNP, cases of violence against women and children decreased by 44.7 percent from 6,689 cases reported from January 1 to March 16 to 3,699 cases logged from March 17 to June 4.

In spite of this decrease, however, Gamboa said PNP should be fully prepared in pursuing criminals online.

Gamboa then encouraged the public to report incidents of online sexual abuse by contacting the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) Hotline: 0919-777-7377 or (02) 8723-0401 local 5261.

The PNP-WCPC can also be reached through Facebook Messenger: @wcpcpnp.

KGA