The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Wednesday an intensified crackdown on digital networks exploiting minors, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen online child protection measures.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency’s Anti-Cybercrime Group to step up surveillance and law enforcement operations against syndicates involved in online child exploitation and the spread of extremist content targeting youth.

“We in the PNP want nothing more than to ensure the safety of our children,” Nartatez said, cited that the order aligns with directives delivered during Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address.

“As threats continue to evolve, we remain committed to protecting them from all forms of harm, particularly those facilitated through online platforms,” he added.

During his annual address, Marcos called for a whole-of-society approach to shield children from violent online content, social media toxicity, pornography and disinformation.

As part of its enforcement strategy, police are coordinating with social media platforms and law enforcement partners to dismantle digital abuse networks. Nartatez also urged parents and guardians to monitor children’s online activity for behavioral shifts that could indicate exploitation.

The PNP is also reviewing policies in neighboring countries to evaluate whether restricting social media access for minors could serve as a feasible model for the Philippines.

However, international advocacy group Save the Children expressed opposition to potential blanket bans on social media for youth.

While welcoming the PNP’s commitment to child safety, Save the Children warned that total bans infringe on children’s rights to information and expression while placing the burden of safety on young users rather than tech platforms and governments.

The group cited that under-16 social media bans introduced in countries like Australia face significant enforcement hurdles, privacy concerns over age verification, and the risk of driving children toward unregulated platforms.

Save the Children is currently participating in a House of Representatives technical working group to develop balanced online safety measures, focusing on age-verification technology, platform accountability, and enhanced parental controls.