41 minors rescued in anti-online sexual abuse ops from January to Feb. 2026

At least 41 minors were rescued from anti-online sexual abuse operations from January 1 to February 23 of this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Child Protection Center said on Tuesday.

“From January 1 to February 23 of 2026, mayroon na tayong kabuuang 47 na operations na inilunsad. Out of these 47 operations, nakapag-rescue tayo ng 52 victims ng online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Out of 52, mayroon pong 41 na minors,” said Police Colonel Lucrecio Rodrigueza Jr., chief of PNP Women and Child Protection Center’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, in “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”

(From January 1 to February 23 of 2026, we launched a total of 47 operations. Out of these 47 operations, we were able to rescue 52 victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Out of the 52, 41 are minors.)

The police official said the victims were referred to local social welfare and development offices for psychosocial interventions.

Further, the PNP said that there were high cases of online sexual abuse on children recorded in Davao Region, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon, only for this year.

In the same period, the PNP added that it has filed nine cases in relation to online sexual abuse of children.

“Nakapagsampa po tayo ng nine na kaso sa prosecutor’s office from January 1 to February 23. Pero ang kabuuan na datos natin, mula pa noong 2022 kung saan naipasa yung batas na Anti-OSAEC law, mayroon na pong kabuaan na 335 na kaso ng in violations of RA 11930,” said Rodrigueza.

(We have filed nine cases at the prosecutor’s office from January 1 to February 23. But looking at our overall data since 2022 — when the Anti-OSAEC law was passed — there have been a total of 335 cases involving violations of RA 11930.)

Rodriguez was referring to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

The PNP warned parents to always look after their children’s online activities.

“Nanawagan kami sa mga magulang na bantayan ang online activities ng ating mga anak. Hindi na po kagaya nung araw na kung ang mga bata ay nanatili nasa loob ng bahay o nagkukulong sa kanilang mga silid, hindi nangangahulugan na sila ay ligtas,” said Rodrigueza.

(We are calling on parents to monitor their children's online activities. It is no longer like the old days where if children stayed inside the house or locked themselves in their rooms, it didn't necessarily mean they were safe.)

“Alamin natin kung sino ang kanilang mga kinakausap. And then turuan natin sila maging ligtas online....'wag sila papayag sa mga ipinapagawa na ang kapalit ay pera, lalong-lalo na po kung sila ay maghuhubad o kukunan ng picture ang kanilang mga sarili,” he added.

(We must know who they are talking to. And then, let’s teach them how to be safe online... they should not agree to tasks in exchange for money, especially if it involves undressing or taking pictures of themselves.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News