NCRPO orders intensified cyber patrol vs. online platforms, websites

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has directed its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) to intensify cyber patrolling and monitoring of online spaces amid growing concerns over the possible influence of online grooming, violent digital communities, and harmful content on minors.

NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano issued the directive following a series of shooting incidents involving students in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato.

Abrahano said the NCRPO is particularly concerned about individuals or online groups who may deliberately target minors, gain their trust, expose them to violent content, or encourage them to engage in criminal or harmful activities.

“We will not allow the online space to become a hunting ground for individuals who exploit and manipulate our children. I am directing our anti-cybercrime personnel to intensify cyber patrolling, identify possible online groomers, and coordinate with the proper authorities for appropriate action," Abrahano said.

The NCRPO chief emphasized that the police response will include monitoring publicly accessible online spaces for threats, recruitment, grooming behavior, violent communities, and other activities that may place minors at risk.

He also ordered the RACU to coordinate with schools, parents, the Department of Education, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and social media, gaming, and messaging platforms whenever appropriate and consistent with existing laws and procedures.

“We are not targeting legitimate online gaming or the freedom of young people to use technology. Our concern is the misuse of these platforms to expose children to violence, manipulate them, recruit them into harmful activities, or encourage criminal behavior," Abrahano said.

The NCRPO will likewise monitor reports involving online games or digital platforms that contain highly violent material or features that may expose minors to harmful content.

“We will follow the evidence. If an online platform, community, account, or individual is being used to groom or influence minors toward violence or criminal activity, we will investigate and take appropriate action under the law," Abrahano said.

Abrahano also called on parents, teachers, and guardians to be more vigilant about the digital activities of children, particularly their participation in private chats, online communities, gaming platforms, and social media groups.

“Parents and guardians are our first line of defense. Know what your children are watching, who they are communicating with, and what online communities they are joining. Early detection can prevent a child from being manipulated or drawn into dangerous activities," he said.

The NCRPO further reminded the public not to share videos, photographs, threats, or other graphic materials related to violent incidents, as the unnecessary circulation of such content may cause fear and could potentially contribute to copycat behavior. Authorities have similarly urged the public not to circulate videos of the recent South Cotabato shooting.