Is syndicate behind cybersex operations?

CEBU, Philippines – Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy is suspecting that a syndicate is behind cybersex operations in his town and other places in Cebu province.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Sitoy said since Cordova has been dragged into the heart of cybersex operations in Cebu, local officials have already considered that there is an organized group behind the illegal activities.

However, Sitoy admitted that this is still subject for further investigation and as he assured that the police and other law enforcement agencies are looking into this.

According to Mayor Sitoy, after several arrests were made against those who were allegedly involved in the cybersex operations, he received reports that they operate mobile, meaning they have no permanent place.

"Grabe na gyud karon ang technology, pinaagi sa Internet mahimo nga maka-operate sila bisan asang lugar," the mayor said.

The mayor added that the police should be vigilant and intensify their intelligence operation.

Sitoy further said based on his initial information, those arrested by the police because of their involvement of cybersex operation can operate without others assisting them.

Earlier, a couple in Barangay Dapitan in Cordova town was arrested by the operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation after they were found to have been involved in cybersex operations.

The two, who are now detained at the Cebu Provincial Police Office, are facing human trafficking charges before the Mandaue Regional Trial Court.

Meanwhile, Sitoy said the municipality of Cordova will strictly implement the ordinance regulating the operations of establishments involved in money transfer business.

Sitoy also asked the residents in every barangay of Cordova to be vigilant and report to the police once they find out that their neighbors are engaged in cybersex operations.

The International Justice Mission has been closely coordinating with the police and other law enforcement agencies in Cebu to go against the operations of cybersex here.

According to Cordova Councilor Angeles Gairanod, who chairs the Committee on Child Protection, the persons behind the cyber porn cases in Cordova are now behind bars, and the children taken into custody by the social welfare department.

"That is why we are going aggressive in our education campaign against cyber pornography and we are tapping student advocates to educate the youths about their rights. We are strengthening our values formation in schools in partnership with the DepEd and we are also providing sessions to parents on family values," said Gairanod.

Cases of child cyber pornography were concentrated in Barangay Ibabao, which Gairanod attributed for its secluded location that give operators a good hiding spot from authorities.