Authorities have rescued at least six minors and arrested three suspects in separate operations against online sexual abuse and qualified trafficking in persons in Misamis Occidental.
Members of the Philippine National Police - Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-MFU) rescued three minor girls and arrested two suspects in an entrapment and rescue operation and service of a search warrant for digital evidence in Ozamiz City.
Seized during the operation were electronic devices related to the child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM), resulting in additional charges against the suspects.
On the same day, another operation was carried out in Clarin town where one suspect was arrested and three victims were rescued, including one minor and two children at risk.
Several electronic devices containing evidence of CSAEM were also confiscated during the operation.
All rescued victims are now under the custody of the social welfare offices for protection and intervention.
On the other hand, the suspects arrested were taken under police custody for the filing of charges.
“Sa kasalukuyan, ang lahat ng nasagip na biktima ay nasa kustodiya ng mga kinauukulang social welfare agencies at patuloy na tumatanggap ng kinakailangang proteksyon at interbensyon, habang ang lahat ng naarestong suspek ay nasa kustodiya ng pulisya at sumasailalim sa kaukulang legal na proseso at pagsasampa ng mga kaso,” PNP-WCPC said.
PNP-WCPC said that these operations are part of its intensified campaign against online sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected abuse to help protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Bawat bata ay may karapatang maging ligtas, protektado, at malaya sa anumang uri ng pagsasamantala. Ang mga operasyong ito ay sumasalamin sa hindi matitinag na pangako ng PNP WCPC na iligtas ang mga biktima at papanagutin ang mga may sala. Panawagan sa publiko na makiisa at magsumbong—sapagkat ang pagprotekta sa mga bata ay kolektibong responsibilidad,” PNP-WCPC added.
