THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard children from online harm as it heightens law enforcement measures against individuals and groups exploiting minors through online platforms.
“We in the PNP want nothing more than to ensure the safety of our children. As threats continue to evolve, we remain committed to protecting them from all forms of harm, particularly those facilitated through online platforms,” Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said in a statement.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a whole-of-society approach to protect Filipino children from violent online content, toxic social media, pornography and fake news.
The president said these online threats contribute to various social ills and called on concerned government agencies and families to work together in safeguarding the youth.
In response, Nartatez directed the PNP to intensify intelligence monitoring and law enforcement operations against syndicates involved in the online exploitation of children and the spread of extremist content targeting minors.
“I have instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to step up surveillance and intensify operations against groups behind the online indoctrination of children into extreme violence and radicalism,” he said.
Also, the PNP continues to strengthen coordination with social media platforms and partner agencies as part of its efforts to curb the spread of harmful online content and identify digital networks exploiting children.
Nartatez said that protecting minors requires the participation of families and communities, noting that parents and guardians remain the first line of defense against online threats.
“We call on parents and guardians to help us in this fight by closely monitoring behavioral changes in children who may be victims of online manipulation that promotes violence,” he said.
During the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (Aseanopol) Conference, the PNP said it is studying the proposal to prohibit social media use among minors as a measure to curb school violence.
Nartatez said the police are reviewing the policies of neighboring countries to determine whether they could serve as a framework for a similar policy in the Philippines.
