PNP to step up campaign vs cyberbullying among youth

August 16, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday ordered the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to step up its campaign against cyberbullying that victimizes the youth on social media platforms.

“With the surge of technological advancements, cybercrimes became one of the most prevalent modus nowadays. Oftentimes, cyberbullying is used by unscrupulous individuals to prey on the youth,” Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

According to the data from ACG, they already investigated 19 cyberbullying cases from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 as part of strengthening campaign in relation to the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 that requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address the acts of bullying in their institutions.

Under the measure, cyberbullying is defined as a form of bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means.

ACG noted that cyberbullying complaints are expected to increase as victims become aware of how to report it by means of new reporting system through social media, phone numbers, and emails.

Also, Gamboa encouraged parents to report any incidents of cyberbullying.

“We urge our parents to monitor if there are changes in their child’s behavior,” he said.

“Should they confirm that their child has been victimized by a cyberbully or an online scammer, I encourage them to immediately identify the perpetrator and report it to the authorities,” he added.

As of now, the ACG and its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units created official Facebook pages that cater complaints and reports of any cases of cybercrimes including cyberbullying, fake news proliferation, online scams, online photo and video voyeurism, and others.

“Aside from our frontliner operations against COVID-19 pandemic, we also intensified our cyber patrol operations and monitoring system against cybercrimes on social media and other interactive websites,” Gamboa said.

He also reiterated the utilization of social media as an avenue for proactive information and awareness activities as well as building a harmonious relationship with the community as servants and protectors of the people. Ella Dionisio/DMS