Duterte to call gov’t cybercrime experts to stop reported sale of students’ obscene images for distance learning — Bong Go

President Rodrigo Duterte will summon the government's cybercrime experts in a bid to stop the reported online sale of sensual images of students, which was allegedly due to additional expenses in the distance learning setup, Senator Bong Go said Wednesday.

"Plano po ipatawag ng Pangulo ang mga cybercrime units and experts from concerned agencies para mapag-usapan kung paano maitigil ito at maproteksyunan ang ating kabataan," Go said in a statement.

He added that the President was "deeply concerned" after being informed of the reports.

Last Sunday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he received reports on proliferation of sensual photos and videos being sold by students on social media to raise funds for distance learning-related expenses.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the issue.

The Philippine National Police's Anti-Cybercrime Group was also ordered to look into it.

Further, Go said the Council for the Welfare of Children should take steps to prevent the exploitation of children and support them in coping with the socio-economic impacts of the ongoing health crisis.

The senator also implored the public to report such incidents to proper authorities.

"Nakikiusap po ako sa mga otoridad at sa ating komunidad na magmanman at maging mapagmatyag sa mga iligal na mga aktibidad na umaabuso o nag-eexploit sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga kabataan," he said.

He added that distressed students can seek help from the government.

"Hindi niyo po kailangan na pumasok sa ganun. Nandito po ang gobyerno, lapitan niyo lang po ang aming opisina dahil handa kaming tumulong sa inyong pag-aaral," he said.

The Department of Education said it was deeply alarmed by the rise of cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children during the pandemic. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News