PNP vows to sustain safety measures vs online harm after PBBM call during SONA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to continue crafting and implementing measures to protect children from online harm as it ordered stronger law enforcement measures against individuals and groups exploiting minors through digital platforms.
Police issued the statement after President Marcos called for a whole-of-society approach to protect Filipino children from violent online content, toxic social media, pornography, and fake news during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said online threats contribute to various social ills and called on concerned government agencies and families to work together in safeguarding the youth.
In response, Nartatez directed the PNP to intensify intelligence monitoring and law enforcement operations against syndicates involved in the online exploitation of children and the spread of extremist content targeting minors.
“We in the PNP want nothing more than to ensure the safety of our children. As threats continue to evolve, we remain committed to protecting them from all forms of harm, particularly those facilitated through online platforms,” said Nartatez.
He said the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group was already instructed to step up surveillance and intensify operations against groups behind the online indoctrination of children into extreme violence and radicalism.
Nartatez added that the PNP also continues to strengthen coordination with social media platforms and partner agencies as part of its efforts to curb the spread of harmful online content and identify digital networks exploiting children.
He also emphasized that protecting minors requires the participation of families and communities, saying parents and guardians remain the first line of defense against online threats.
“We call on parents and guardians to help us in this fight by closely monitoring behavioral changes in children who may be victims of online manipulation that promotes violence,” said Nartatez.
Earlier, the PNP said it is studying the proposal to prohibit social media use among minors with Nartatez saying the police are reviewing the policies of neighboring countries to determine whether they could serve as a framework for a similar policy in the Philippines.