UAE Welcomes the Philippine Joining the Virtual Global Taskforce

The UAE, the current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), has welcomed the Philippines as a new member of the VGT the Global Alliance against online child abuse.

With the accession of the Philippines, the number of members in the VGT climbs to 13 countries and 18 institutions and companies from the public and private sectors, which join to create a distinguished presence all over the world.

Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of H.H. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Chair of the VGT, expressed his hope to further promote the work of the Virtual Global Taskforce with the joining of the Philippines, in the quest to put an end to child online sexual abuse worldwide.

The Virtual Global Taskforce had commenced its first meeting for this year in the Colombian city of Cartagena. The meeting, chaired by the United Arab Emirates, is expected to come up with a set of important recommendations and programs that will enhance international action to combat online crimes.

Major General Al Nuaimi noted that the VGT will continue to draw on its successes to further activate the role of law enforcement agencies and their concerted efforts. He added that the UAE will continue mobilising the world, the public opinion as well as awareness-raising institutions, in a bid to reinforce concerted efforts in the field child protection against all forms of abuse.

Moreover, he praised the achievements of the current chair and the different members of VGT and commended the collaborative efforts of member countries to protect children, in addition to the sharing and developing of security expertise, in investigation, training or boosting the technical capacities needed to combat online sexual abuse; as well as other procedures to highlight global child abuse cases and protect children against abuse.

Moreover, he said that the accession of the Philippines National Police represents a clear message to those who commit unethical behaviours online about the concerted international policing efforts in the fight against online abuse. He added: "We are serious in tracking down, arresting child offenders, and bringing them to justice wherever they may be in the world."

The VGT chairman added: "The accession of the Philippines will enhance the strategic approach of the Virtual Global Taskforce by contributing to law enforcement efforts around the world and existing online action to enhance its capabilities." He considered that the joining of the Philippines represents an added value to the objectives that the VGT aims to achieve, including building effective partnerships between counties to protect children against online sexual abuse."

For his part, Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eliaser, director of the Anti-Cyber Crime Group at the Philippines National Police, said that the VGT Board of Management meeting in the Colombian city of Cartagena is an official acceptance of the Anti-Cybercrime Group, Philippine National Police as a full member in the Virtual Global Taskforce.

The official signing ceremony was attended by the VGT Chair; the Chief Inspector of Police; and the Director of the Anti-Cyber Crime Group in the Philippine National Police.