Norway and the Philippines have signed a new agreement to strengthen their fight against the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, Philippine News Agency reports.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Quezon City by Deputy Police Commissioner Lars Erik Alfheim of the Norwegian Police Service and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The agreement will make it easier for the two police forces to exchange information, identify offenders and investigate cases involving online child sexual abuse.
“Crime knows no borders, nor can our cooperation do so. This agreement gives us better opportunities to prevent sexual abuse of children by identifying and stopping abusers before more children are exposed,” said Lars Erik Alfheim.
The Norwegian Embassy in Manila said the agreement builds on cooperation that began in 2020. During that time, joint investigations have helped rescue children in the Philippines and led to the arrest of offenders in Norway.
“This strengthens collective efforts of the Norwegian Police and Philippine National Police to identify perpetrators, detect and investigate offences, and better protect vulnerable children,” the Norwegian Embassy in Manila said.
Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster said protecting children from online abuse remains a top priority.
“Through our cooperation, we work together to create awareness of this challenging problem and prevent victims from being abused and keep our children safe,” Christian Halaas Lyster said.
