Authorities arrested a woman in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte for allegedly exploiting two children online.

During the operation, personnel of the PNP Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit (PNP-WCPC-MFU) and other law enforcement units rescued the two children, a girl and a male child-at-risk.

According to the National Coordination Center against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), the operation was launched based on a case referred by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC).

Based on reports, an Australian national currently in AFP custody for child abuse was allegedly in contact with a Filipino facilitator who allegedly provided CSAEM in exchange for money through social media platforms.

WCPC-MFU also coordinated with other agencies and private sectors to ensure the protection of the children rescued.

The children were brought to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for psychosocial support and medical assistance as part of their recovery and reintegration process.

Authorities urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to OSAEC or CSAEM to help put an end to child exploitation.