The Philippine National Police (#PNP), with the support of #GCash, has uncovered significant cases of online trafficking involving children and women. Recent arrests of cybercriminals have highlighted the proliferation of these crimes on social media and messaging platforms.
GCash urges the public to report any incidents of scams, fraud, or cybercrime to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by calling (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or by emailing acg@pnp.gov.ph. Users can also report cybercrimes through the official GCash Help Center at GCash Help Center by messaging Gigi on the website and typing ‘I want to report a scam.’ Alternatively, they may contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.
For a safer digital experience, GCash reminds its users to remain vigilant, never share their MPIN or OTP, and avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to phishing or fraud. GCash will never ask for personal information through private messages.
A human trafficking suspect exploited victims on a popular social media platform. Using various aliases, he purchased pornographic material from victims and coerced them into further exploitation. The victims were trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution. The suspect, using aliases such as Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Dave Garcia, and Mark Harly Dave Garciano, was eventually traced and arrested by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
In two separate cases, the PNP-ACG reported online child sexual exploitation involving Mary June Netuliano Espiritu, who allegedly sold explicit videos of her daughter on social media, and Leonisa Postetad Ligo, who is facing charges for prostituting two minors through a messaging app.
As the largest digital ecosystem, GCash is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and cyberspace, particularly the well-being of women and children.
“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. Our commitment extends to protecting the community from all threats, especially involving women and children,” said GCash Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan.
FAQs
1. What role did GCash play in uncovering online exploitation and trafficking? GCash supported the Philippine National Police in uncovering significant cases of online trafficking involving children and women on social media and messaging platforms.
2. How were the victims exploited by the human trafficking suspect? The suspect used various aliases to purchase pornographic material from victims and coerced them into further exploitation, eventually trafficking them to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution.
3. What actions has GCash taken to ensure the safety of its users? GCash is committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts against cybercrimes and ensuring the digital landscape is safe for users, particularly women and children.
4. How can the public report incidents of scams, fraud, or cybercrime? The public can report incidents to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group by calling (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, emailing acg@pnp.gov.ph, or through the GCash Help Center at GCash Help Center. They can also contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.