More measures vs cyberporn, trafficking proposed

CEBU, Philippines - Law enforcement and government agencies are proposing intensified measures to further combat cyberpornography and human trafficking in the country, especially in Cebu province.

The National Bureau of Investigation-7 suggested monitoring system in the barangay level regarding the income flow and Internet subscriptions of every household.

"We would welcome any information on that since it would help us in detecting persons involved in cyberpornography," explained NBI-7 director Ricardo Diaz during the regular session of the Provincial Board on Monday.

He said Internet providers should be obliged to submit a list of all subscribers with their respective Internet speeds.

He said it would give the authorities a lead which household is involved or engaged in cyberpornography.

Currently, Diaz said they are closely coordinating with the Homeland Security Agency in United States, which is tasked to monitor and look into child pornography and human trafficking cases, since the NBI has no direct access to websites based in US.

"The NBI then conduct its own investigation and verification on information given to us (by Homeland)," he added.

The Philippine National Police for its part has also trained personnel as "cyber cops" who conduct online investigation and surveillance.

"They have capability to conduct investigation of digital evidence seized during operations... We also train personnel in the conduct of cybercrime operations," said Senior Inspector Michael Virtudazo of the Anti-Cybercrime Group-7.

Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba also pushes for the creation of a policy-making body to be known as the "Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center," which will undertake the creation of a cybersecurity plan for the country that will integrate all measures against cyberpornography and human trafficking.

"The main reason why the implementation of cybercrime law is not yet fine-tuned because we don't have yet the national cybersecurity plan," she noted.

The body, she said, would be composed of the Department of Science and Technology as the chairman, NBI as vice-chairman, and the Department of Justice, private sector and academe as its members.

Another meeting will be held by the PB to further discuss the proposals.

Petralba along with Diaz and Virtudazo were invited during the PB's session to brief the body on its ongoing efforts against cyberpornography and human trafficking following the rescue of five children — ages five to 12 years old — in Cordova December last year.

Authorities also arrested live-in partners after they allegedly exploited minors to perform lewd acts in front of the camera inside their house. The arrested woman was allegedly caught using her mobile phone to take a video of her 10-year-old niece posing naked. Reportedly, the video was intended for a foreign customer.

"Campaign against cybersex is a challenge because most cases happen in (private), like condo units and high-end subdivision," said Police Regional Office-7 director Manuel Gaerlan, who also appeared before the legislative body. — (FREEMAN)