CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — As the country observes National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW), the Police Regional Office (PRO) Calabarzon through its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) emphasized that crime prevention must extend beyond physical offenses to include the growing threats in the digital environment.
In a Philippine Information Agency radio program, RACU CALABARZON police captain Lucky Agrave said the unit conducted a seminar for Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) to strengthen their capacity to recognize and respond to online threats, particularly those affecting children and other vulnerable sectors.
“Sa buwan na ito sa pangunguna ng ating kapulisan, nagkaroon ng isang seminar kasama ang mga LSWDO para maagapan ‘yung tinatawag ngayon na violent extremism kung saan tinuturuan ‘yung mga kawani ng gobyerno upang malabanan natin ito at hindi na lumala pa,” the police official stated.
This comes after noting that the recorded school-related violence involving students can stem not only from conflicts within the school environment but also from experiences and interactions that begin online.
According to Agrave, one pattern observed by the cybercrime unit involves online groomers or individuals who influence young people to engage in harmful activities.
Children who become victims of cyberbullying may also be placed in vulnerable situations, particularly when they experience prolonged harassment, isolation or feelings of being oppressed.
In Cavite, authorities have recorded incidents of school-related violence, highlighting the need for stronger prevention and early intervention involving schools, parents, local social welfare offices, and law enforcement.
This underscores the importance of integrating online crime prevention into broader school and community crime-prevention efforts.
With this, RACU also conducts seminars in different schools in the region, discussing topics involving online grooming, cyberbullying and narrative-based online violence and violent extremism, which may expose young people to harmful influences and potentially contribute to violence in the physical community.
“Nag-co-conduct po tayo ng mga lectures sa mga kabataan para ituro ‘yung mga basic na ginagawa ng mga bata at hindi lang basta sa mga online platforms, pati ‘yung physical interactions sa mga eskwelahan at tinuturo rin po namin paano mag-report at matapang na sabihin ‘yung nakikita nila at nararanasan online, sa mga guro o sa mga magulang nila,” Agrave stated.
As the PNP continues to heighten its crime prevention efforts, Agrave reminded parents that crime prevention starts at home, particularly in guiding children’s online activities.
Agrave urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, monitor their social media and gaming interactions, and immediately report incidents immediately to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit or the nearest police station, including through the Unified 911 emergency hotline. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)
