MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP), with the assistance of leading finance app GCash, has uncovered a surge in online exploitation and human trafficking using social media and messaging platforms.
Recent arrests have brought to light disturbing cases of trafficking involving both children and women, with suspects leveraging digital platforms to perpetuate their crimes.
One of the key suspects, operating under multiple aliases—including Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, and Mark Harley Dave Garcia—was arrested by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
He is accused of purchasing pornographic material through a popular social media platform and using it to coerce victims into further sexual exploitation. These victims were then trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution.
The PNP-ACG also reported two other cases involving online child sexual exploitation. Mary June Netuliano Espiritu was taken into custody for allegedly selling explicit videos of her daughter on social media, while Leonisa Postetad Ligo faces charges for prostituting two minors via a messaging app.
As the largest digital ecosystem in the Philippines, GCash has been pivotal in assisting law enforcement in cracking down on these crimes.
GCash Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan emphasized the company’s commitment to safeguarding the digital landscape.
“To create a financially inclusive cashless ecosystem, we must ensure that the digital landscape is safe for users and their children by supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts against cybercrimes,” Maquilan said.
“Our commitment extends to protecting the community from all threats, especially involving women and children.”
GCash encourages the public to report scams, fraud, or cybercrimes directly to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group through their hotline or email.
Users can also report suspicious activities via the GCash Help Center or by contacting the company’s official support hotline.
Digital Safety Reminders
In light of the increasing number of cybercrimes, GCash reminds users to remain vigilant. The company advises its users to never share their MPIN or OTP and avoid clicking on suspicious links that may lead to phishing or fraud.
GCash emphasizes that it will never ask for personal information through private messages.
The PNP, with the backing of GCash, continues its fight against online human trafficking and cybercrimes, ensuring that the digital space is safer for all, especially vulnerable individuals such as women and children.
This recent collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime in the country.
