The Talakayan sa PIA Up Close and Personal forum highlights the importance of internet safety, particularly for children, with insights from Deputy Regional Prosecutor Karl Andre G. Salcedo of the Department of Justice (DOJ)-10 and Police Lieutenant Alkhaizer H. Ibrahim, Chief of the Digital Forensic Section, Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10. The discussion centered on raising awareness to protect young users from online threats. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao is calling for greater awareness and caution in smartphone use, particularly among children, to prevent the growing risk of online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Lieutenant Alkhaizer H. Ibrahim, chief of the Digital Forensic Section at the PNP Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, emphasized that while smartphones are widely accessible, many users, especially children, are unaware of the potential dangers they face online.
“Everywhere you look, people have smartphones, but not everyone knows how to use them safely,” Ibrahim said. He stressed that the lack of awareness about the consequences of online actions makes children, especially those in less privileged and remote areas, more vulnerable to exploitation.
“Hindi nila alam yung ginagawa nila isa pa lang crime or pinagsamantalahan na pala sila. Akala nila everything is ok or normal,” Ibrahim added.
(They don’t realize what they’re doing is a crime or they are being exploited. They think everything is ok or normal.)
Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of adopting a zero-trust policy when it comes to online safety, advising individuals to exercise caution in all online interactions, especially those involving strangers.
He urged the public to regularly assess whether technology, while offering convenience, is truly beneficial to society and children’s safety.
“Gumamit ng technology pero at the same time kailangan din natin tingnan kung ito ba ay makabubuti o hindi sa society,” he said.
(We use technology, but at the same time, we need to assess if it benefits or harms society.)
The PNP urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to educate children about the potential dangers of online platforms and encourage responsible digital behavior while law enforcement continues to monitor and investigate cases of online sexual abuse, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM Act), individuals, including victims, family members, or even neighbors, can report suspected abuse.
Reports can be made to barangay workers, the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), or the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Desks. Filing cases is free of charge, with law enforcement offering assistance with affidavits. (JMOR/PIA-10)
