Three children were rescued in Cavite during a police operation against alleged online sexual exploitation that also led to the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) said the children, aged four to six, were safely rescued during an operation conducted in Bacoor and Silang, Cavite on June 22.
Police said operatives implemented a court-issued Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data while simultaneously conducting a victim location and rescue operation.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Arnel,” is a male security guard and former neighbor of the victims, according to authorities.
The PNP said charges have been filed against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflected the police organization’s intensified campaign to protect children from online abuse and exploitation.
“Ang ganitong klase ng operasyon ay malinaw na patunay na hindi tayo titigil sa pagprotekta sa kabataan. Sa ilalim ng direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., mas pinalalakas natin ang ating mga hakbang laban sa online abuse at lahat ng uri ng pang-aabuso sa kabataan,” Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP would continue strengthening its operations against child exploitation through coordinated, swift, and victim-centered law enforcement action.
Authorities said the rescued children have been placed under proper care and protection, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to determine possible links to other individuals and prevent further exploitation.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its broader effort to build safer communities and protect vulnerable children.