Go on Internet patrol, DOJ exec urges public

MANILA, Philippines—If barangay (village) patrols work in neighborhoods, “Internet patrols” should work in the world wide web.

Justice Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy has urged the public to report to the government exploitative websites, particularly those promoting child prostitution.

“The problem of children being victimized online is serious,” Sy said, adding that everyone was encouraged to conduct Internet patrols.

This is similar to “barangay patrols,” where citizens conduct patrols to bolster the campaign against criminality in their communities, according to Sy, who led the Department of Justice-Council of Europe workshop on protecting children against online sexual violence in Southeast Asia on May 23-24.

“If you have two hours to spare every week, look for sites selling children or showing cruelty to animals,” he said.

Those who stumble upon such websites are encouraged to report them to the DOJ, Sy said.—Christine O. Avendaño