Cybersex operators preying on students: Parents urged to beware, protect kids

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children has reminded parents to be vigilant against unscrupulous persons victimizing school children.

This following the recent raid conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation-7 and the Internal Justice Mission in two cybersex dens in Lapu-Lapu City last Thursday.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who co-chairs PCWC, expressed concern on the students’ safety, noting one of the raided cybersex dens was located near a school.

 “Of course they (culprits) always prey on the students. Mao na magpaduol sila sa mga bata,” she said.

 “But sadly, some of these illegal activities are perpetrated by parents. Sila modawat sa kwarta from the customers,” she added, as she urged the public to report such illegal act.

 Moreover, the vice governor lauded the Lapu-Lapu City government and the NBI-7 for rescuing the10 minors during the operation.

 “I’m happy that they are now also very active in the fight against cyber pornography,” she said. 

The City Government of Lapu-Lapu, for its part, is willing to accommodate the minors rescued from the three women namely Jeramie Paquibot, 25; EdithaAying, 49; and Grace Ybañez, 31, who reportedly operate the cybersex dens.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the city may place the minors, who are now at the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Deve-lopment-7, at Home Care Center, the city’s shelter for children in conflict with the law.  Agents of NBI-7 went to the mayor’s office yesterday for a courtesy call and for their operation last Thursday.

Radaza commended the agencies fighting cyberpornography as she encouraged others to assist them since there are still other areas in the city that needs monitoring.

“Lisud ang monitoring g’yud. Kana ilahang mga gamit, nindot man g’yud. Amo silang gi-encourage, there are still some areas na wala na-cover ug duna sila’y expertise sab,” she said.

Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, officer-in-charge of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, also calledon the public to report any “social ills” or illegal activities like managing cybersex dens.

“Ang awhag nato sa katawhan is to do their social responsibility, mopahibawo sila. Ang katawhan dinha sa barangay, sa purok or sa sitio,  naa g’yud sila dinha 24 hours,” Radoc said.

The suspects, who are now detained at NBI-7, are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-trafficking Persons Act, RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Before the arrest, the suspects were placed under surveillance for three months after the NBI received a tip from police authorities in United Kingdom on a certain Irish national named “Patrick” who had nude photos of minors who were traced in Lapu-Lapu City.  (FREEMAN)