PNP enhances cyber squad ops tackling online women abuse

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify measures to shield women and girls from online harassment and exploitation by expanding specialized cyber-response units and upgrading digital reporting systems, police officials announced Thursday.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the law enforcement agency is modernizing its “Aleng Pulis with the CyberSquad” initiative — a specialized program integrating female police officers with cybercrime investigators to handle tech-facilitated sexual abuse and gender-based harassment.

“Breaking the cycle of gender-based violence requires new tools and approaches as technology amplifies digital harm,” Nartatez said.

“We continue to improve and digitize our system to combat evolving online harassment and threats against women,” he added.

Nartatez cited that the digital crackdown aligns with executive directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla directing law enforcement agencies to fortify safety measures in virtual spaces.

Marcos recently highlighted rising digital threats against women during the ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit, prompting police leadership to review legislative and operational frameworks across Southeast Asia.

The PNP chief disclosed that the PNP is studying policy models from neighboring ASEAN member states, particularly regarding social media platform accountability, digital support systems and evidence-gathering protocols for online abuse cases.

“As technology evolves, our response must evolve with it,” Nartatez added. “We cannot allow digital platforms to become avenues for the harassment, exploitation, and abuse of women.”