THE Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) rescued two victims — including a child — and arrested a man accused of online sexual exploitation during a raid earlier this month targeting cybersex trafficking operations.
Authorities executed a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD) on October 14 as part of the police’s intensified crackdown on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), officials confirmed Tuesday.
In an emailed statement today, October 28, Rebelander S. Basilan of the International Justice Mission (IJM) said the operation saved a minor boy and an adult woman from continued abuse.
“This rescue is another decisive step in our fight to protect children from predators hiding behind screens. The effort dismantles yet another OSAEC operation exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit,” Basilan said.
Police investigators said they recovered multiple digital devices belonging to the suspect.
A forensic check of his mobile phone revealed child sexual exploitation materials (CSAEM) linking him directly to the production and possession of illegal content involving minors.
Initial findings showed the suspect allegedly used social media platforms to sell access to children and coerce victims into performing sexual acts for online buyers.
The rescued victims received immediate care through the City Social Welfare and Development Office in Tagum City for assessment, counseling and other psychosocial services.
The arrested man faces charges under the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act of 2022, which carries penalties of up to life imprisonment and fines reaching P5 million. He also faces violations of Republic Act 7610, the child protection law that imposes harsher punishment for abuse, exploitation, and discrimination of minors.
The operation was carried out by the WCPC–Main Field Unit led by Col. Mario Baquiran Jr., under the supervision of Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento. It was conducted in coordination with partner agencies addressing online child trafficking.
Portento vowed the crackdown will continue relentlessly.
“We will not stop hunting those who abuse children — online or offline. Every rescue brings us closer to justice,” she said.
The WCPC encourages the public to report cases of online sexual exploitation of children through their official channels.
