2 men nabbed for online porn using minors

The Anti-Human Trafficking Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a suspect who takes minors around Manila to sexually abuse and videotape them to sell in the Philippines and abroad.

According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta, Erwin Bernardino, a call center agent, was caught with a minor in his apartment just before he allegedly abused her while being videotaped for his online pornography business.

“Kapag may kliyente na nagustuhan ang offer niya online, humihingi siya ng subscription fee. Matapos magbayad ng subscription fee, padadalhan niya ito ng link at doon maaaccess ng client yung iba’t ibang child and exploitation materials. Karamihan ay mga batang lalake,” Gisele Garcia-Dumlao, NBI spokesperson.

“Curiosity po. Sa mga nadamay, paumanhin po. Hindi ko na po uulitin sir, at kung may pagkakataon magbago, magbabago po," the suspect, Bernardino said, who will be charged for violating Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of children.

The suspect's cell phone is also being examined to track his other victims.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Pasig City, a 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly spreading his delicate video call with a sixteen-year-old. He used the video to force the victim meet up with him.

“Ikinalat sa mga classmate nitong si victim, si suspect is still asking na mag-meet up sila in exchange for the deletion of the photos and the videos,” said Police Captain Michelle Sabino, PNP spokesperson.

The suspect insisted that they were in a relationship, but admitted that he did not inform the victim about the recording, saying it was supposed to be private.

“Siguro sumakit lang 'yung loob ko dahil nga sa ginawa mo rin, 'di ko naman kako gagawin 'yun kung kung di mo rin sa kin ginawa 'yung ano, 'yung mga bagay na ikasasama rin ng loob ko. Hindi ko po siya pinagsamantalahan po,” he defended.

“Whatever the circumstances are, the mere fact that you have the video and is a minor is already a violation,” Sabino stressed.

The suspect is scheduled to undergo an inquest on the complaint of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and photo and video voyeurism in relation to child abuse.

“Pagka ganyang nanghihingi na sa inyo ng mga malalaswang larawan, 'wag niyo na I-entertain, I-block and delete,” she advised the public.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News