13 minors, 2 adults rescued from online sex traffickers; 5 arrested in Surigao del Sur

Authorities arrested 13 minors and two adult victims of online sex trafficking and arrested five suspects in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Gamboa announced on Saturday.

Some of the suspects were even the parents of the victims, he said.

Gamboa did not disclose the names of the suspects as these may lead to the identification of the minor victims.

The PNP chief said they received information from the Australian Federal Police about a network of online sex traffickers in Bislig City offering shows to foreigners abroad for a fee.

Agents of the PNP's Women and Children Protection Center and Anti-Cybercrime Group launched entrapment operations in two locations in Bislig City on Thursday with operatives of the Caraga Region Police and representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT).

Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) were served on the raided residences, and this led to the discovery of more evidence of child exploitation and trafficking, Gamboa said.

Criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9208, RA 9775 in relation to RA 10175 and RA 7610; and violation of RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 will be filed against the suspects.

The suspects have already been brought to the Bislig Municipal Police Station for booking and investigation.

The victims meanwhile were placed under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Ofice of Bislig City.

Gamboa warned those involved in online sex trafficking that they will be arrested.

“I am warning the parents and guardians of minors who suffer abuse in their hands. We are tracking your illegal online sex operations. We know where you are, who you are dealing with and how you have profited from these deplorable acts. We will put you behind bars," he said. —KG, GMA News