US Homeland Security renews vow to help in anti-cyberporn efforts

CEBU, Philippines - The campaign against cyberpornography in Cebu Province continues to strengthen, especially with a renewed commitment of assistance from the United States Department of Homeland Security ( DHS).

Yesterday, representatives of DHS, the agency of the United States government that protects the country from terrorism, man-made accidents and disasters, paid Vice Governor Agnes Magpale a visit and discussed their future endeavors together in the fight against cyberpornorgraphy.

Since 2010, the DHS has been assisting the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC), headed by Magpale, in their operations to curb cyberpornography in Cebu.

They were instrumental in the operations in Cordova where cyberpornography dens were located.

Members of the DHS wished not to be interviewed after their closed door meeting with Magpale. But Magpale said they are grateful for the pledge of support Homeland Security has assured the PWC.

Magpale said that they would definitely need the assistance of Homeland Security since operators of cyberpornography dens in Cebu are becoming “smarter.”

As far as gadgets are concerned, Magpale said cybersex den operators have upgraded their equipment making it harder for law enforcement agencies and the PWC to find evidences against them.

But Magpale said that with the help from DHS, they would be able to acquire more knowledge on these advance technology.

DHS is interested in the operations against cyberpornography dens in Cebu in line with its campaign against pedophiles and perverts in their country. 

“We will continue to upgrade our skills, together with homeland security,” Magpale said.

Although she could not give more details, Magpale said the agency has also upgraded their equipment.

She assured though that proper process would still be followed in conducting operations.

Apart from gadgets, Magpale admitted that operators and customers of cyberpornography services have also become smarter as far as money transfer is concerned.

She said that they have already met with money transfer companies to ask for their help by reporting “suspicious” activities.

Magpale said that based on the records she obtained, there have been over 2,000 transactions from 2011 to 2013 from countries like the United States, New Zealand and European countries.

The DHS also suggested that network providers in Cebu should also be open in providing list of names of clients that have suspicious transactions.

But Magpale said they explained to the DHS that it is not possible in the Philippines, especially with law protecting consumers’ privacy as well as operations of network providers. –(FREEMAN)