ACG beefs up drive vs online sexual abuse and exploitation

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking to protect women and minors from sexual predators, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its campaign against online sexual abuse

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) on Friday hosted the AngelNet Summit 2024 wherein representatives from law enforcement agencies and the private sector discussed efforts in protecting online spaces, especially women in children, from internet dangers.

Citing their records, ACG director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said 407 cases involving women and children who are victims of photo and video voyeurism were recorded in 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, the ACG has documented cases, which is already 36 percent of the total number of incidents in the previous year.

“Awareness raising and prevention have always been deemed the best solutions to thwart the growing incidence of cybercrime,” Hernia said in a statement.

Despite several campaigns anchored on awareness and prevention, Hernia said “cybercrime has remained trending upward.”

During the summit, two initiatives were launched which are AlengPulis and the CyberSquad, an avatar group of ACG officers co-designed with children.

The teams will work as frontline investigators to enhance cyberspace security for women and children.