PNP, with aid from GCash, uncovers online exploitation and trafficking on social media, messaging apps

Oct 4, 2024 #gcash

The Philippine National Police, with the aid of GCash, has uncovered the proliferation of online children and women trafficking during recent arrests of cybercriminals conducted by the law enforcement body.

A human trafficking suspect allegedly exploited victims on a popular social media platform. Posing as clients under various aliases, he purchased pornographic material from victims and then used it to coerce them into further sexual exploitation. The victims were subsequently trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution, reportedly using various social media aliases including Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Dave Garcia, and Mark Harly Dave Garciano. He was eventually traced and arrested by an operation led by the PNP Anti-cybercrime group.

Two more separate cases of online child sexual exploitation have been reported by PNP-ACG involving a suspect named Mary June Netuliano Espiritu, who was put into custody for purportedly selling explicit videos of her daughter on social media. In a similar case, Leonisa Postetad Ligo is facing charges for allegedly prostituting two minor victims through a popular messaging app.

As the largest digital ecosystem, GCash recognizes its role in keeping the public and cyberspace secure— while safeguarding 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.

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 https://help.gcash.com 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.