A 14-year-old girl, a victim of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), was rescued following a police operation implementing a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD No. 25-008) at Purok 2A, Pindugangan, Barangay Tipanoy, around 8:30 am on October 23.

The operation was led by Police Lt. Col. Michelle S. Olaivar, chief of the City Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU). It resulted in the arrest of a male suspect and the rescue of the 14-year-old child-at-risk, who is a student and resident of the area.

EVIDENCE INVENTORY. Operatives serve a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD No. 25-009) at Purok 2A, Pindugangan, Barangay Tipanoy, where they confiscated several mobile phones, a computer device believed to contain OSAEC-related materials, and three sex toys during the operation. Photo courtesy of Task Force OSAEC Iligan City

Authorities said the case stemmed from a referral by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-10), following a report from an 18-year-old Vietnamese national, a student from Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Vietnamese complainant alleged she had been subjected to online sexual abuse and exploitation while still a minor.

According to investigators, the victim revealed that she was groomed and coerced by the suspect to send nude photos and explicit videos through online platforms.

A forensic examination conducted by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10 (RACU 10) confirmed that the suspect possessed 178 photos and 37 videos containing child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM).

Police also confiscated several mobile phones, a computer device believed to store OSAEC-related data, and three sex toys during the search.

The suspect was brought to the Iligan City Police Station 4 (ICPS 4) for documentation and the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

“This successful operation is a testament to our unwavering effort to safeguard children from online predators,” Lt. Col. Olaivar said in a statement.

Olaivar added the collaboration among police units and partner agencies ensures that offenders are held accountable.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Iligan City Police, Task Force OSAEC, and the local government of Iligan, reaffirmed their commitment to protect children from all forms of online abuse and exploitation.