By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified efforts to protect women and girls from online abuse by strengthening law enforcement programs against cyber-enabled offenses and improving existing response mechanisms amid growing concerns over threats in virtual spaces.
“Breaking the cycle of gender-based violence requires new tools and approaches as technology amplifies digital harm. We continue to improve and digitize our system, particularly the AlengPulis with the CyberSquad, to combat evolving online harassment and threats against women,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the PNP, the “AlengPulis with the CyberSquad” program aims to combat sexual abuse and exploitation of women in cyberspace.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier raised the issue of mounting concerns over the increasing incidence of gender-based violence in digital spaces during the ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit.
In support of this direction, Nartatez said the PNP is studying initiatives being implemented by other ASEAN member-states to prevent gender-based violence and strengthen protections in the online environment.
“We are also exploring the ways and best practices of our ASEAN neighbors in terms of platform accountability and digital support systems to determine if we can adapt them in our country,” the country’s top cop said.
Further, he emphasized that the organization must also ensure its existing tools and mechanisms remain responsive to emerging threats in the digital space.
“As technology evolves, our response must evolve with it. We cannot allow digital platforms to become avenues for the harassment, exploitation, and abuse of women. Our tools and mechanisms must remain responsive to these emerging threats,” Nartatez said.
