Teacher nabbed for online sexual exploitation in Banga, South Cotabato 

A male teacher is now behind bars for allegedly exploiting three minor-aged boys and even livestreaming his explicit, illegal acts online.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center rescued the suspects' victims aged 14 to 16 years old from a house in Banga, South Cotabato. 

“Ayon sa examination ng kanyang mga device ay meron doong sexual activity involving him with the victims,” said PNP-WCPC chief Police Brigadier General Shiela Portento. 

(An examination of his devices showed videos of his sexual activities with the victims.) 

“Ito rin ay may posibilidad na nagkaroon ng live streaming na kung saan habang ginagawa, may nanunuod virtually na nagbabayad sa kanila,” she added. 

(There’s also a possibility that these were live streamed with people paying to watch them.)

Police said most of those who patronize the illicit online sexual activity are foreigners.

Aside from the three boys, authorities also rescued the suspect’s 10-year-old brother as he is considered a child-at-risk.

“Andun sya sa environment na hindi sya healthy for him to grow because nangyayari nga tong krimen na ‘to,” said Portento. 

(He’s in an environment that is unhealthy for his growth because crimes are happening in that environment.)

The PNP-WCPC said the suspect’s neighbors were allegedly aware of his activities and that he has been doing the alleged online sexual exploitation for the past three years.

The suspect has yet to comment on the allegations against him.

The police is conducting an investigation to identify the suspect’s other victims so that they can be given psychosocial intervention.

“Nakakalungkot because we are exerting efforts to raise the awareness of the community. Kasi itong mga krimen na ‘to dapat nire-report o binibigay ang atensyon sa mga kapulisan,” said Portento. 

(This is disappointing because we are exerting efforts to raise awareness in the community. These kinds of crimes must be reported or brought to the attention of the police.) 

The PNP-WCPC also warned that the suspect’s alleged offense — which is punishable under Republic Act 111930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act — is punishable by life imprisonment and a maximum fine of P500,000. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News