The Philippine National Police logo at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Oct. 19, 2017. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday it rescued 49 minors in cases involving cyberthreats as police continued to strengthen coordination with schools, local governments, social welfare offices and other child-protection stakeholders.
“By working together, we can respond to concerns early, provide the necessary assistance, and help maintain a safe and supportive environment for our students, teachers, and school personnel,” PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a press briefing.
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He said the PNP was coordinating with both public and private schools and had issued corresponding circulars and police operational directives aimed at engaging not only school authorities but also social welfare offices and communities.
According to Nartatez, police interventions have resulted in actual rescues after students themselves sought help.
“Dapat ang school ay one of the safest institutions or place for our children ay nandun. So andiyan ang pulis natin in our effort to mingle or talk with our officials, ang pamilya at nakaka-responde tayo ng mga actual police response. Sila na mismo ang lumalapit sa atin,” he added.
The PNP chief said police were continuing efforts to identify and monitor individuals involved in online grooming and other threats against minors.
“We have accounted these personalities at meron tayong data. We are continuously engaging them at kinakausap at inaalam natin. Our operations not only resulted to the rescue, but of course nandiyan ang seizure natin ng mga firearms na maaari makapinsala or makagamit,” Nartatez said.
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ONLINE SAFETY
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it is strengthening efforts to make cyberspace safer for children, particularly as the internet has become an important tool for education and communication.
NCRPO officer-in-charge PBGen. Christopher Abrahano said children cannot simply be kept away from the online world, making guidance from parents and other trusted adults crucial.
“The internet is now an important tool for learning and communication. What we need to ensure is that our children know how to use it responsibly and that they have adults who will guide and protect them,” Abrahano said in a statement.
He urged parents and guardians to know the online accounts and content their children access, teach them how to identify scams and harmful content, and remind them not to share personal information, locations or passwords online.
Parents were also encouraged to remind children that not everyone they meet online can be trusted and that they should never meet an online acquaintance without the knowledge and supervision of a trusted adult.
Abrahano said children should be taught that they have the right to refuse requests for private or inappropriate photos.
He urged parents to listen without blaming or shaming children who report troubling online encounters.
“Kapag may lumapit sa atin ang bata dahil may nangyari online, ang unang dapat nilang maramdaman ay ligtas sila at pakikinggan sila,” he said.
Nartatez said the PNP would continue to boost efforts to protect students and school personnel from threats.
“Kung meron tayong 100 percent we will make it double, triple ang effort,” he said.
He made the statement as the country marked World Teachers’ Day, assuring teachers and school communities that the police would continue to be present and responsive to threats involving students.
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