Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to protecting children from online harm, directing police units to intensify operations against individuals and groups exploiting minors through digital platforms.

Nartatez said the move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive during his fifth State of the Nation Address to strengthen government efforts against online threats, violence, exploitation, and harmful digital content targeting children.

"We in the PNP want nothing more than to ensure the safety of our children. As threats continue to evolve, we remain committed to protecting them from all forms of harm, particularly those facilitated through online platforms," Nartatez said.

During his SONA, Marcos called for a whole-of-society approach to shield Filipino children from violent online content, toxic social media, pornography, and fake news, saying these contribute to various social problems.

In response, Nartatez ordered the PNP to intensify intelligence monitoring and law enforcement operations against syndicates involved in the online exploitation of children and the spread of extremist content targeting minors.

"I have instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to step up surveillance and intensify operations against groups behind the online indoctrination of children into extreme violence and radicalism," he said.

The PNP also said it is strengthening coordination with social media platforms and partner government agencies to curb the spread of harmful online content and identify digital networks exploiting children.

Nartatez stressed that parents and guardians remain the first line of defense against online threats.

"We call on parents and guardians to help us in this fight by closely monitoring behavioral changes in children who may be victims of online manipulation that promotes violence," he said.

The PNP earlier said it is studying a proposal to prohibit social media use among minors. Nartatez said the organization is reviewing policies adopted by neighboring countries to determine whether they could serve as a model for a similar measure in the Philippines.