Lapu-Lapu barangays asked to monitor cybersex operations

Barangay officials in Lapu-Lapu City were reminded to always be on the lookout for possible clandestine cyber-pornography operations in their areas.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said that although barangays have limited capability of detecting cyber-pornography operations, they could provide some information to the police that could lead to the discovery of the illegal activity.

“I am appealing to the people to report to the authorities if they notice some minors or women frequenting a house or people frequenting  money remittance center,” said Radaza in Cebuano.

Radaza also met with Senior Supt. Armando Radoc and reminded him to intensify monitoring of cyber-pornography.

Radoc, chief of the Lapu-Lapu City police, said police have been conducting seminars in communities and schools regarding illegal activities including cyber-pornography.

Radoc said they asked the public to alert the police of suspicious activities.

“We assured the public that any information given to us will remain confidential because some informants are afraid to tip off the police as the subject persons may get back at them,” Radoc said.

Mactan barangay captain Evaristo Dejayco said he was unaware that two of his constituents were involved in an alleged cybersex operation.

“We are monitoring cybersex operation and other illegal activities in our barangay, but we didn’t have information that we have one. It is difficult to detect because it is done inside a house, and no one reports and complains,” said Dejayco.

Leonardo Augusto, a councilman, said he was surprised that a resident, Editha Aying, was running a cybersex operation in the barangay.

“Her husband works abroad,” said Augusto.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation recently raided the house of Aying where a computer, two

keyboards, mouse, voltage regulator, assorted receipts from money couriers and a laptop were seized.

Also arrested for alleged involvement in the illegal activity was Cherry Mae Paquibot, 26.

Radaza lauded the NBI and the International Justice Mission for their efforts.

“It is sad to know that we still have constituents here operating cybersex despite our massive campaign. It doesn’t mean that we are not working to prevent such illegal activities, but we just have less capability compared to NBI and IJM,” the mayor said.

Radaza said the city is doing its part to eradicate the illegal activity.

“We are doing our best to bring more jobs and business opportunities in the city. We even reached out to the unemployed, but there are some who go for easy money,” Radaza said.