PNP rescues 4 minors from cybersex operator

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) rescued four minors who were allegedly exploited by a cybersex operator for paying customers abroad.

In a statement on Friday, the WCPC said a six-year-old boy and three girls aged 9, 10, and 17 years old were rescued in a police operation in Taguig City on Thursday. The rescue operation was conducted by the Taguig City Police’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division led by Col. Maria Sheila Portento together with the Taguig City Social Welfare and Development Office and International Justice Mission.

The WCPC added that they arrested one suspect, who is one of the victim’s relatives. The identities of the victims and the arrested suspect were not disclosed by police to protect the children.

In the same statement, Portento said the children were forced to perform sexual acts in front of a camera. They were then watched online. Police said the viewers send payments using cash transfers and other online platforms.

“The videos and photos are also often sold and resold online repeatedly, or shared openly, perpetuating the abuse,” said Portento.

The victims are now under the care of the Taguig City Social Welfare and Development Office where they are being given trauma and recovery interventions.

Portento meanwhile encouraged the public to report the online abuse of children through their e-mail address [email protected] or contact number 09197773777 or via their Facebook page.

Data from WCPC showed that 486 victims of sexual exploitation were rescued while 164 suspects were arrested for violation of anti-trafficking laws since 2015.

/MUF