CIDG helps protect kids from Net predators

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the absence of a specific law that protects kids from Internet predators, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken a step in protecting children from online pornography and other abuses.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the PNP’s investigating arm, has launched its Project “Angel Net,” a round-the-clock operation center and website that will boost police capability in fighting cyber crimes and protecting children from Internet pornography and other abuses.

Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sosa, chief of CIDG’s Anti-Transnational Crime Division, said the Philippines is presently ranked 17th among countries with the highest number of Internet users. This increase usage though has also opened opportunities for cyber criminals.

“Apparently, every house that has a computer is a potential victim of Internet crime. At present, abuses through social networking media are increasing at an alarming scale. Crimes like online child pornography, cyber bullying and cyber stalking, Internet fraud and online scams have been hardly checked and are still proliferating,” Sosa said.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said their Internet child protection program’s “cyber tip line” website (www.cidgangelnet.ph) officially went live last Thursday, coinciding with the opening of their anti-cyber crime operation center.

Pagdilao said the website will serve as the “Angel Net” online complaint center where people can directly report incidents of child abuses related to the Internet.

“The operation center, which will be equipped with computers and manned by trained technical operatives, will enhance the capability of the CIDG to monitor and track cyber predators for their eventual arrest and prosecution in court,” he said.