City asks brgys to help stop cyberpornography

CEBU, Philippines - Considered the first line of defense against cyberpornography, barangay tanods and officials will soon undergo training and workshops against the purported number one crime in the country.

This after the Cebu City Council yesterday approved a resolution requesting the Association of  Barangay Councils (ABC) – Cebu City Chapter to organize such activity so they can help curb or stop possible cyberpornography  activities or cybersex den operations in their respective barangays.

According to the resolution authored by Councilor Alvin Dizon, ABC – Cebu City chapter will be working in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 and non-government organizations (NGOs) whose advocacy includes anti-child pornography.

“Barangay officials are the first line of defense against cyberpornography,” said Dizon.

Dizon, in his resolution, further requested the Cebu City Children’s Commission to “study policies that can effectively prevent or stop child pornography activities” in Cebu City.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, after expressing support on Dizon’s proposal, also requested barangay officials to activate and strengthen their respective Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC).

According to the report of the Philippine National Police, cyberporn is now deemed as country’s number one crime and that Cebu is at the top four transmittal sites for online pornography.

In the past, the NBI-7 has conducted several anti-cyberporn raids in different parts of Cebu Province and has rescued a number of children and women who were made to pose naked or perform lewd acts in front of the computer.

“(This) showed the magnitude and prevalence of the problem especially among poor families who are looking for ways to earn money fast,” said Dizon.

The recent anti-cyberporn operation was carried out on Saturday at an alleged cyberporn call center operating in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City where 13 people, seven of  them are women, were rescued.

The Anti-Cybercrime Group – Central Visayas, which conducted the raid, will file a charge for violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act against the arrested Chinese national, who reportedly owns the call center, and his manager. — (FREEMAN)