PRO-7: Hi-tech gadgets needed to stop cyber porn

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office (PRO) -7 admitted the lack of funding for equipment needed for deterring cyber pornography and human trafficking in the region, an official said.

“Ever since naman yun yung isang problem natin, yung funding, pero meron tayong budget dyan. Pero ganun pa man, hindi pa rin sapat para ma-provide ang lahat ng kagamitan. Siyempre ang mahal ng mga gamit ngayon. Sabi ko nga, slowly, the PNP is enhancing its capability sa lahat ng aspeto ng police (operations),” said Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, PRO-7 Director.

Taliño said funding issue is among the concerns of PRO-7, even with the budget provided from Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters, which is why they are also seeking aid from the local government units (LGUs).

He said that gadgets they need in detecting and monitoring cyber pornography and trafficking activities should be similar to what other foreign law enforcement agencies are using.

High-technology devices used by other countries in deterring cybercrime make arrests easier, according to Taliño.

Acknowledging the lack of technology, Taliño said he is thankful for the help and coordination the PRO-7 receives from foreign law enforcement agencies.

“With the support of some foreign law enforcement agencies, in fact, nangagaling din sa kanila doon sa bansa nila, so, they are providing us information, nagkakaroon tayo ng joint operation,” said Taliño.

His statement came after operatives from Anti-Cybercrime Group-7 in coordination with the Australian police and International Justice Mission (IJM) rescued a 15-year-old girl from her mother, who was caught in the act of sending explicit photos of the victim online to convicted Australian perpetrator Stephen James Sherriff in Barangay Opao, Mandaue City last May 27.

The victim is currently in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 7.

Complaints for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, RA 9975 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 7610 (Child Abuse), have been filed against the mother.

Taliño also said that LGUs have been helpful, too.

“Napakalaking tulong ng mga LGU sa mga logistics ng pulis. Patrol vehicles, yung iba nag-po-provide ng computers din, yung iba, gasoline. Kaya yung mga LGUs na very supportive sa kanilang pulis ay nagpapasalamat tayo,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) is ready to help the police in the fight against cyber pornography.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, co-chair of the PWC is ready to extend assistance for the rehabilitation of the victim if the International Justice Mission (IJM) will ask assistance for them.

IJM is one of the commission’s partner agencies working against cyber pornography and human trafficking, Magpale said. (FREEMAN)