THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has instructed its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) to ramp up online monitoring to protect minors from digital exploitation, online grooming, and exposure to violent communities.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Christopher Abrahano issued the directive following recent student-involved shooting incidents in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato.
The regional police command expressed heightened concern over individuals or digital groups deliberately manipulating minors, exposing them to violent content, or inciting criminal behavior.
“We will not allow the online space to become a hunting ground for individuals who exploit and manipulate our children,” PBGen. Abrahano stated, clarifying that the operations target criminal misuse of technology rather than legitimate online gaming or standard youth internet activity.
“Our concern is the misuse of these platforms to expose children to violence, manipulate them, recruit them into harmful activities, or encourage criminal behavior,” added Abrahano.
Under the directive, the RACU will monitor publicly accessible digital spaces, social media groups, messaging networks, and gaming platforms for grooming behaviors and violent content.
The unit has been instructed to collaborate with the Department of Education, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), school administrators, and platform administrators.
PBGen. Abrahano urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s digital footprints, private chats, and online communities, describing family oversight as the first line of defense.
Additionally, the NCRPO appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, photos, or threats related to recent violent events—including the South Cotabato shooting—warning that circulating such media spreads panic and risks inspiring copycat incidents.
Police assured that all cyber monitoring and enforcement activities will remain strictly within the bounds of due process and existing laws.
