Cyber Shield Against Sexual Exploitation initiated in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — A new advocacy initiative aimed at strengthening efforts against online sexual exploitation was launched in Cebu on Wednesday, bringing together individuals and institutions to promote digital safety, victim protection, and access to justice.

Dr. Winley dela Fuente, organizer of Cyber Shield Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE), said the initiative was created in response to cases involving women and models who were allegedly recruited through social media platforms and later became victims of online exploitation.

Dela Fuente said the advocacy was inspired in part by his son, Wince, who became aware of how women were being approached through Viber, Messenger, and other social media platforms.

He said some victims initially agreed to collaborations involving modeling, clothing, perfume, and gambling promotions, particularly those with large followings on Facebook.

He said the group has encountered about 13 women who sought assistance after becoming victims of online exploitation.

Some of the victims, he said, had their private photos stolen and compromised by hackers allegedly based in Manila.

“This was devastating for the victims,” dela Fuente said, noting that they needed not only legal assistance but also support to recover and rebuild their lives.

Dela Fuente also cited cases in which two alleged perpetrators were arrested and imprisoned.

He said the suspects were former information technology workers who allegedly used their skills to commit the crimes as part of a group operating in Manila. Dela Fuente said these experiences prompted the creation of CASE.

He thanked the members of the CASE team, particularly its legal team, for volunteering to help lead the legal component of the advocacy.

“Our advocacy begins today,” dela Fuente said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) called for stronger cooperation between law enforcement and communities in addressing sexual extortion and other crimes committed through online platforms.

Police Colonel Jay Guillermo, chief of the PNP-ACG, said law enforcement cannot effectively pursue cybercrime cases without the cooperation of victims and complainants.

Guillermo said the PNP-ACG recorded 269 violations involving online extortion and 292 cases involving grave threats, noting that these figures represent only reported cases.

He said many incidents do not reach investigation or court because victims are sometimes unwilling to report or pursue their complaints, particularly when the online dissemination of private or explicit photos causes fear, embarrassment, or other harm.

“One of the challenges for law enforcement is how to prosecute the crimes, or how can we prosecute the suspects,” Guillermo said.

“We cannot do it alone. We cannot pursue the case without the victim’s cooperation,” he added.

Guillermo said cybercrime investigations also involve procedures that can take time, including securing warrants and filing cases before the courts.

The activation of CASE, he said, provides an opportunity for law enforcement and communities to work together in addressing online crimes.

“It is a collaborative effort. It is a coordinated effort. It is a cooperation between the community and the law enforcement,” Guillermo said.

He also urged the public to trust law enforcement and report cases involving online exploitation and other cybercrimes.

Guillermo said preventing online crimes is particularly challenging because, unlike traditional crimes, they cannot simply patrol physical streets to monitor activities taking place in cyberspace.

He noted that the internet has billions of websites, applications, and online games where users can communicate through chats and groups, making it difficult for authorities to monitor all online activities.

Because of this, he urged parents and other family members to educate themselves about technology and communicate with their children about their internet use.

“Let us educate ourselves. Try to talk to our children,” he said, noting that children who grew up with technology may be more familiar with digital platforms than their parents.

Guillermo said parents should pay attention to what their children are doing on devices such as smartphones and tablets because they may not know who their children are communicating with online.

Police Lieutenant General Bernard Banac, Deputy PNP Chief for Administration, also called for stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies, communities, government institutions, and civil society organizations to prevent online sexual exploitation, particularly involving women and children.

Asked how law enforcement and communities can work together to prevent such incidents, Banac emphasized the need for closer coordination to identify risks early, protect potential victims, and ensure that reports of exploitation are acted upon promptly.

The multi-sector dialogue brought together stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at preventing exploitation, strengthening victim protection, improving access to justice, and supporting the recovery of victims. — /MRM (FREEMAN)