The National Bureau of Investigation-Davao (NBI)-11 has arrested three people, including a couple, in Barangay San Jose, Lupon, Davao Oriental for allegedly exploiting their own children sexually online.

The husband is 34 years old and his wife is 31 years old. The husband’s 40-year-old brother was also arrested.

During the operation, authorities rescued five children - the oldest is 13 and the youngest is four. Three of them are the couple’s children and the other two are the children of the husband’s brother.

NBI-11 said the victims were forced to perform explicit activities during livestreams on a website, which were viewed by foreign customers. The victims were also allegedly forced to use sex toys during these sessions.

Authorities said the suspects have been making this as a livelihood as customers have to pay first before they can access the livestream.

“Meron tayong poseur customer na manonood ng show and kahapon nong kinuha natin nandoon ang mga bata nakahubad. It only shows proof na meron ngang ginagawa tong mga taong ito. It is livestream marmaing nanood and they have to pay before they can access,” NBI-11 Director, Atty. Arcelito Albao, said.

“While doing the search yung mga marites the people around said na this family is very extravagant magastos everyday may inuman magpa lechon weekly,” NBI-11 Head Agent, Essex Minguez, added.

Authorities started the surveillance in January 2025. The transactions and payments are being made online.

In a receipt recovered by NBI-11, a customer paid P16,000 to the suspects.

Authorities also seized other pieces of evidence such as computers and cellphones.

The woman arrested reportedly owned up to the crime, saying they have been operating for six months.

The other suspect denied the allegations.

The suspects are facing multiple charges.

“About the charges RA 11930 o ang online abuse and exploitation of children, RA 9208 o qualified trafficking at child abuse this recommend no bail for all the subjects. Sa mga parents na may ganitong ginagawa itigil niyo na kasi alam naming saan kayo hahanapin hindi kami titigil na ilagay kayo sa kulungan,” Albao said.