QUEZON CITY - In response to the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), the Philippine National Police, Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), in partnership with the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), joined the pursuit of battling Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

There are reports on online activities involving the risky behaviors of children online which prompted the ACG to immediately conduct online surveillance on social media sites promoting OSAEC since the start of this pandemic including the alleged “Christmas Sale”.

Based on the surveillance, there are students who are selling photos and videos of their private parts and are using hashtags on Twitter such as #AlterPH, #AlterPinay, #AlterPhilippines and #AlterBagets. Money gained from selling their contents are allegedly used to buy gadgets necessary for their virtual classes and other online activities. One Twitter account which was investigated tweeted “CHRISTMAS SALE! NO TIME LIMIT VC” using the hashtags #alterpinay, #alterph, #alter, #alterbagets. Based on the postings, the account engages in private messages and attracts customers who are willing to pay. Price for the explicit photos and videos ranges from Php 100.00 to Php 800.00.

PBGEN ROBERT T RODRIGUEZ, Director, ACG reminds the public especially the parents to continuously monitor the online activities of their children and to guide them in safeguarding their welfare against online exploitation and victimization. This Group will continue its effort in monitoring online activities which involve OSAEC. Also, the public is enjoined to report similar and other suspicious activities they may encounter online. (ARR/PIA-PNP-ACG)