Baby, 2 boys allegedly exploited online rescued; woman nabbed

Authorities rescued a six-month-old baby and two boys in an operation against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) in Barangay Tambacan, Iligan City.

Members of the Task Force OSAEC of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) and other police units launched the rescue operation by serving a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD), which resulted in the arrest of the suspect, a 21-year-old woman, and confiscation of the pieces of evidence.

The task force did not disclose how the woman is related to the victims.

During the operation, the six-month-old girl allegedly being offered online and two boys at risk, six and four years old, were rescued.

Authorities said the gadgets and electronic devices showed indications they could be child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM), based on onsite forensic examination.

ICPO Task Force OSAEC assured that perpetrators will not escape the full force of the law and maintained that it will remain committed in protecting children from any form of abuse and exploitation.

“Justice for a six-month-old child victim of exploitation is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral imparative. No child, especially one innocent and defenseless, should ever suffer such cruelty,” ICPO Task Force OSAEC said in a Facebook post.

“We owe it to this child, and to all children, to pursue accountability with unwavering resolve, to protect the vulnerable with every tool of the law, and to ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions,” it added. —GMA Regional TV