The Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued seven minors and arrested two women in separate operations against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in Zamboanga City and Bulacan.
The operations were carried out by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) on June 2 in Zamboanga City and June 4 in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
In Zamboanga City, operatives of the PNP-WCPC Mindanao Field Unit implemented a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data, leading to the arrest of a 27-year-old woman.
Authorities also rescued three female minors and one child at risk during the operation.
The case stemmed from a referral involving suspicious online content flagged by a partner organization. Further investigation allegedly uncovered the production and distribution of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) intended for foreign clients in exchange for money.
In Norzagaray, Bulacan, the PNP-WCPC Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division conducted a separate operation that led to the arrest of a 43-year-old woman and the rescue of three male minors aged 11 to 16.
The Bulacan operation was based on intelligence shared by the Australian Federal Police through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center. The information helped authorities identify the suspect allegedly involved in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials involving minors.
The PNP said digital devices, electronic storage media, and other pieces of evidence seized during the operations are now undergoing forensic examination.
Authorities are preparing appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act of 2022, in relation to Republic Act No. 7610, Republic Act No. 9208, and Republic Act No. 10175. The offenses carry penalties that may include life imprisonment and heavy fines, depending on the gravity of the case.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will continue pursuing individuals and groups involved in the online exploitation of children.
“The Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue those who exploit children online. We will ensure that every offender is held accountable and brought before the full force of the law,” Nartatez said.
“Ang karapatan ng bawat bata ay sagrado. Ang sinumang magtatangkang abusuhin o yurakan ito ay haharap sa buong bigat ng batas. Hindi magdadalawang-isip ang PNP na ipatupad ang hustisya,” he added.
The PNP said the successive operations form part of its intensified campaign against cyber-enabled child exploitation and online abuse networks.