First PH cyber trafficking monitoring center inaugurated

WIDESPREAD use of the internet and social media platforms has given rise to online sexual exploitation among children, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Friday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the first Cyber-TIP (Trafficking in Person) Monitoring Center) in the Philippines, Guevarra said that the pervasiveness of the internet and social media usage in the Philippines has contributed to the proliferation of new modes of perpetrating trafficking in general, and the rise of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) in particular.

“The technological nuances of OSEC are indeed challenging, as we play catch-up to modern-day criminals who change modus at lightning speed. Meticulous case build-up and precision investigations are important to build airtight cases. But expertise doesn’t come overnight. Fortunately, new tools are also available at our disposal such as the Rule on Cyber Warrants, the Revised Rules on Evidence and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.” the DoJ chief said.

In the same event, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Eric Distor said that the NBI had exerted twice the effort this year in monitoring social media platforms, addressing online complaints, and managing reports in light of the continued upsurge in OSEC activities since the pandemic started.

He said that since last year, social media platforms have been utilized more frequently in committing child exploitation, be it sexual or otherwise. Needless to say, unscrupulous…

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