Councilor Dahino asks COCPO on plan vs online crimes

COUNCILOR Desiree Ann M. Dahino asked the city police to present their plans in addressing online crimes during the courtesy visit of the newly designated COCPO Acting City Director PCOL Gerardo D. Ulanday to the 21^ST City Council.

PLTCOL Ernesto Niebito M. Daing, Deputy City Director for Operations, who accompanied PCOL Ulanday, explained that the Philippine National Police has an anti-cybercrime group primarily responsible for monitoring and investigating online offenses.

At the local level, COCPO’s Community Affairs Development Unit conducts both online and on-the-ground monitoring, investigating suspicious online content, verifying potential misinformation, and releasing official statements to keep the public informed.

As chair of the committee on women and family relations, Councilor Dahino stressed that children are especially vulnerable to online crimes, citing risks such as the misuse of artificial intelligence to manipulate or steal photos and circulate them on illicit platforms.

She emphasized the importance of stronger safeguards to protect children not only in public spaces but also in the digital sphere. (SPE/SP)