By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has obtained two warrants to disclose computer data (WCDC) ordering social media giant Facebook and video platform YouTube to disclose information and other content posted on a page allegedly promoting sexual exploitation.
Based on the warrants issued on July 20 and 28, a cybercrime court in Manila ordered the two platforms to preserve data of the accounts linked to the page ‘Usapang Diskarte’ which would be used as evidence by the ACG’s Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit (WCCPU) in the filing of a case against the page’s operator.
The warrants have already been endorsed by the court to the Department of Justice – Office on Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) for implementation pursuant to the rule on cybercrime warrants issued by the Supreme Court.
“After we forward this, we will wait for the data to be transmitted to us. This can include thousands of images, information on the account owner as well as their subscribers, chat logs, and other information. We expect this investigation to be heavy,” said Lt. Col. Irene Cena, WCCPU head, in a statement.
The page ‘Usapang Diskarte’ is allegedly filled with content promoting sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The account has over 250,000 subscribers/followers connected to a group of sexual predators.
The page’s profane contents, which include tips on how to lure a minor to have sex with an older person, drew flak from netizens who demanded the takedown of its illicit videos circulating online.
Meanwhile, ACG director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria encouraged netizens who may have information about ‘Usapang Diskarte’ and people who felt they were abused by its viral posts to come forward and report to the ACG office.
“We are here to help you. I also commend all our Cybercops and of course our personnel from WCCPU for your untiring efforts. In spite of our limited number of personnel you continue to show dedication to your duty to serve and protect,” said Doria. (PNA)
