Police give tips against cybercrimes in schools

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities have conducted security briefing by giving tips against cybercrimes to English language schools.

This is part of protecting the schools from being victims of exploitation through cyber activities.

“We have to make them aware by giving tips and to give them ideas on the current situation of the crime in Cebu province because some of them are not aware of the crimes,” said Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk chief, Inspector Margienett Yosores, said they are aiming to conduct security briefing in all language schools in Cebu province.

She said they have started in Talisay City following the two incidents involving foreign nationals.

The Regional Police Community Relations is also assisting the PIB and the CPPO in the conduct of the briefing.

Yosores said everyone must be vigilant against child and women exploitation in an area.

“I-check gyud dayon kung dunay kuyog nga minor unya lain pud nang naa puyo sa balay ang minor o daghan nang babaye gapuyo sa balay nga unusual na,” Yosores said.

She added they also conducted information dissemination and educate children in schools especially on the use of Internet.

They advised students not to entertain “pop up” links on the Internet.

“We also go to barangay officials and women’s groups kay sila maoy naa pirmi sa ilang lugar,” Yosores said.

Recently, authorities arrested Swedish Hans Christer Johansson in his rented apartment in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City and rescued two minors aged 14 and 15.

Laptops and external hard drives were recovered from the suspect.

Days later, American Lawrence Pendarvis was also arrested at a resort in Barangay Pooc, Talisay City following complaint from his 52-year-old victim.

The complainant and a 28-year-old woman were allegedly drugged and abused by Pendarvis for a few months already. They were filmed and told to follow the suspect’s instruction.

Both foreigners are now detained and are facing criminal charges. —/GMR (FREEMAN)