David Bridges
August 31, 2022 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) warrants against Facebook and YouTube to compel the social media platforms to disclose data on “Usapang Diskarte,” which posted sexual exploitation of children online.
Officials of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) went to the DOJ Office of Cybercrime head Gerald Vincent Sosa to implement the warrants issued by a Manila court against Facebook and YouTube.
Sosa said they would immediately act on the warrants filed by the PNP.
He expressed belief that Facebook and YouTube will coordinate with the DOJ.
Sosa said law enforcement agencies such as the PNP could not directly serve the warrant on foreign companies.
“The DOJ processes the serving of cybercrime warrants. It is a central authority in matters relating to cybercrime,” he said.
The social media accounts Usapang Diskarte went viral last July for reportedly publishing content promoting sexual abuse of children, and even gave tips on how to lure minors into committing sexual acts.
Authorities are one step closer in unmasking the suspected sexual predator behind the Youtube Channel and Facebook page Usapang Diskarte.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24 granted the ACG’s petition for two warrants to disclose computer data that ordered the social media giants to release subscriber information, chats, images and other content posted on the accounts of Usapang Diskarte.
ACG director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria commended members of the police Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit for securing the warrants, which could lead to the filing of cases against the person behind the controversial social media accounts.
“I encourage people who may have information about Usapang Diskarte and those who felt they were abused by the viral post to come to us,” Doria said in a statement.
Lt. Michelle Sabino, spokesperson for the ACG, said they also requested the preservation of the social media accounts.
Usapang Diskasrte has over 250,000 subscribers and followers connected to a group of sexual predators who equate “macho” with being abusive, Doria said, citing their initial investigation.
The content shared tips on how to lure minors into having sex with older men.
Minors are also being conditioned into thinking that having sex with older people is normal, Doria said.
The social media accounts of Usapang Diskarte were taken down after generating negative feedback from netizens.
Ivy Caldwell
