Gov't pledges to join global efforts in curbing cyber sex

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government pledged today to coordinate with other governments to fully put a stop to online child pornography, which victimizes Filipino minors.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a news briefing, "it's a point of concern because it happens within our borders but we are very much open to working with authorities from other jurisdictions to make sure that these are not repeated."

She made the remarks amid reports from London that the United Kingdom, United States and Australia have dismantled an international pedophile group, which abused poor children in some countries, including the Philippines.

The criminal group allegedly sexually abused the children with the consent of their parents in exchange of some amount of money through the Internet.

She said that the Philippine government has a "very good coordination" with authorities from other countries in curbing international crimes, including cyber sex.

Valte assured that even if the government could not implement yet the Cyber Crime Law, which is a subject of a temporary restraining order by the Philippine Supreme Court, the suspects could still be prosecuted under existing laws on child abuse.

At least 11 people from the Philippines were reportedly arrested for facilitating the child sexual abuses in the country.