The fight against online gender-based violence in the Philippines is intensifying, with a renewed focus on protecting women in digital spaces. According to the Foundation for Media Alternatives, 22.2% of reported online gender-based violence (OGBV) cases in 2023 involved threats, blackmail, and abuse—highlighting the urgent need for safer online environments.
At a recent Women’s Month event, key institutions including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Google Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) outlined their strategies to combat this growing issue. Here are four major efforts discussed during the event:
1. Strengthening Digital Literacy to Fight Online Fraud
With phishing accounting for nearly 59% of social engineering scams in 2023, the BSP is ramping up efforts to educate the public, particularly women who may be more vulnerable due to economic circumstances.
“Social engineering schemes remain among the top fraud methods in the country. Despite ongoing awareness efforts, many Filipinos still fall victim,” said Atty. Antoni Pauline Pascual of BSP. “We need to bridge the gap between knowing the risks and recognizing them when they happen.”
2. Creating Safer Online Spaces for Women
The National Privacy Commission emphasized the importance of empowering women to report digital harassment through the Safe Spaces Act, which extends protections into online environments.
“When your safety or sexuality is violated, fear can keep you from speaking up,” said Atty. Izelle Deloso of the NPC. “We want to change that by building platforms where women feel safe and supported enough to report abuse.”
3. Protecting Against Online Violence, Trafficking, and Harassment
The Philippine National Police continues its campaign against digital violence with over 8,000 cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) already reported in 2024. Through its Anti-Cybercrime Group, the PNP runs the Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit to handle internet-based abuse.
“Victims can contact us anytime—even through social media—and we guarantee confidentiality,” said Lt. Col. Herlyn P. Lazaro of the PNP-ACG. “We collaborate with both local and global law enforcement to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
4. Using AI and Google Tools to Empower and Protect
Google is enhancing its safety features to protect women through artificial intelligence and its suite of products. From real-time warnings against harmful language to automatic content moderation across YouTube, Google Workspace, Ads, and the Play Store, the tech giant is using AI to curb digital abuse.
Women can now easily find help using Google Search, including immediate access to hotlines like the NCMH Crisis Hotline without navigating through multiple sites.
“Google is committed to a safer internet for women through AI-powered safety systems and proactive partnerships,” said Audrey Turay-Magdato, Google Cloud Security Country Lead. “Beyond tech tools, we also help women build careers in cybersecurity through initiatives like the Google Cybersecurity Career Certificate.”
DICT Cybersecurity Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy emphasized the government’s commitment to this cause:
“Women’s online safety is a priority. The government is deeply grateful for Google’s partnership in this mission, and we look forward to expanding our efforts together for a more secure digital future.”
To learn more about how Google helps you stay safer online, visit Safer with Google.
