Six minors were rescued and a 23-year-old man was arrested in Manila during a coordinated police operation against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation was carried out on May 14 by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), in coordination with the Anti-Cybercrime Group, Manila Police District, Manila City Social Welfare and Development Office, and local barangay officials.
Authorities said the rescued children were aged 4 to 14. One of them was classified as a child-at-risk.
Police identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Jay.” Investigators said he was a cousin and neighbor of one of the victims.
The operation stemmed from validated cyber intelligence referrals from international and local channels, including the INTERPOL International Child Sexual Exploitation Database and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline.
Before the operation, police secured a court-issued warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data.
Digital devices recovered from the suspect were subjected to initial forensic examination, which indicated the presence of materials related to child abuse and exploitation, authorities said.
Charges were filed under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
The suspect remains under the custody of the PNP-WCPC Luzon Field Unit, while the rescued minors were turned over to social welfare authorities for psychosocial support, protection, and recovery.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the police organization’s commitment to protecting children from online exploitation.
“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t may mga batang nangangailangan ng proteksyon. Every rescue is a reminder that our duty goes beyond enforcement, it is about saving lives and restoring safety,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of intensified intelligence-driven efforts against cyber-enabled crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable sectors.
Authorities also warned that operations against online child exploitation would continue, with offenders facing prosecution under existing laws.