GCash Highlights Anti-Online Exploitation Strategies at Global Workshop

(L-R) National Investigations and Law Enforcement Development director Atty. Noel Eballe, International Justice Mission Karlo Taboada, GCash chief risk officer Ingrid Beroña, and International Justice Mission internet crimes against children specialist Bill Maddox

The Philippines, due to its technological accessibility and established financial transaction facilities, is among the most susceptible countries in ASEAN to online exploitation, as per UNICEF research. This was discussed at the recent 2024 Advanced Investigation Workshop, hosted by the International Justice Mission (IJM), focusing on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

GCash, the nation’s premier finance app, was invited to the workshop to share its effective strategies against OSAEC. This aligns with GCash’s ongoing commitment to combat cybercrimes and foster a secure digital environment.

Ingrid Beroña, GCash’s Chief Risk Officer, emphasized to international law enforcement participants the importance of inter-agency collaborations in combating exploitation of women and children.

“Last year, over 100 potential OSAEC transactions were reported to GCash by our partner remittance center and the Anti-Money Laundering Council. We monitor these potential cases and blacklist and report any suspicious accounts for further investigation. Our system also alerts us to suspicious transactions potentially linked to online child sexual abuse,” Beroña explained.

The 10-day workshop saw representatives from various organizations, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Netherlands Police, and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

GCash chief risk officer Ingrid Beroña

GCash, the country’s largest cashless ecosystem, continues its close collaboration with leading law enforcement authorities, such as the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), to fight cybercrime.

“As we strive for financial inclusion, we are committed to assisting the marginalized, ensuring we are an organization that serves all. Beyond scams and fraud, GCash recognizes its social responsibility to utilize its resources to combat other crimes against individuals, particularly vulnerable women and children,” Beroña concluded.

For more information, please visit GCash.

FAQs

1. What was the focus of the 2024 Advanced Investigation Workshop? The workshop, organized by the International Justice Mission (IJM), focused on tackling critical issues surrounding Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

2. What role does GCash play in combating online exploitation? GCash, the leading finance app in the Philippines, is actively involved in battling cybercrimes and promoting a safe and secure digital ecosystem. It shares its best practices against OSAEC and works closely with top law enforcement authorities to combat cybercrime.

3. How does GCash handle potential OSAEC transactions? GCash monitors potential OSAEC transactions reported by its partner remittance center and the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Any suspicious accounts are blacklisted and reported for further investigation.

4. What is GCash’s approach towards financial inclusion? GCash believes in helping the marginalized to truly serve all. It recognizes its social responsibility to use its resources to combat crimes against individuals, especially vulnerable women and children.