NBI rescues 5 minor victims of sex exploitation in Leyte

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday announced the rescue of five minors – the youngest being six years old – from sexual exploitation in Leyte.

According to the NBI, agents launched an operation on October 28 and rescued the minors – a 6-year-old female, a 9-year-old male, a 10-year-old female, a 13-year-old female, and a 16-year-old male.

This was after the NBI received a case referral from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Austria. The Criminal Intelligence Service served a search warrant at a residence of an Austrian national for child sexual exploitation.

Upon review of the seized materials, the Criminal Intelligence Service found that he was in communication with a Filipina, the victims’ mother. 

The NBI found that the Austrian national cultivated a relationship with the mother and presented himself as a father figure to her children. He also gave her financial support. 

“While the mother was away, he exploited their vulnerability and innocence, committing heinous acts under the guise of care and support,” the NBI said.

The NBI said chat logs indicated that he engaged in sexual activities with her children. Child sexual abuse and exploitation materials were also recovered from the Austrian national’s phone.

“NBI warns families across the country: Do not readily entrust your children’s safety to individuals offering money, help, or affection,” the NBI said in a statement.

“Predators often disguise themselves as generous supporters or parental figures, only to exploit the very trust they cultivate. Vigilance, discernment, and community awareness are essential in protecting the most vulnerable members of society,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News