MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) observes cybercrime operations in the Philippines are getting bolder. Authorities recently rescued four minors being used for online sex shows in Barangay San Roque, Navotas following a US Homeland Security online surveillance operation. The suspect, identified as Benzon "Chen" Caneba, was arrested by the DOJ's Office of Cybercrime and the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) Anti-Human Trafficking Division while he was engaging in an online transaction with an undercover agent. Caneba will be charged with violating Republic Act 8792 or the E-Commerce Act. Nineteen women, three of them minors, were also rescued in a separate entrapment operation in Las Piñas City. The victims were allegedly being held against their will by a Syrian recruiter. According to Office of Cybercrime head Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy, poverty has forced many Filipinos to work in the cybersex industry. The Philippines was even included in the list of top 10 places for child pornography in the world. "We have some poverty problems that we need to address. In the meantime, people are looking at it as an easy way out to get money," Sy said. Meanwhile, NBI Cybercrime Division head Atty. Ronald Aguto told ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Thursday that cybercrime syndicates usually operate within residential areas in order to evade authorities. "Ang sindikato na bumubuo nito ay mga bahay-bahay ang ginagamit nila para mas mahirapan ang mga awtoridad," he said. Aguto said under Republic Act 9775 or the Child Pornography Law, those found guilty will be meted 6 to 12 years or life imprisonment. He also said owners of the premises where the crime is committed may also be held accountable while parents of the children involved can also be charged. Aguto said recent arrests prove that Philippine authorities have enough capability to crackdown on cybercrime. He noted that public cooperation has also been a big help. Discussions are ongoing on a possible reward system for those who provide leads to criminals, he said. -- With ANC
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