Mother, partner arrested for sexually exploiting children online

MANILA, Philippines — A mother and her partner in Lala, Lanao del Norte were arrested for sexually exploiting her children online, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Tuesday.

According to the NBI, the case stemmed from information from the National Crime Agency, which showed that two children were being sexually exploited online.

Investigation showed that it was their own mother who allegedly conducted pay-per-view shows involving the children through video calls on Skype.

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NBI operatives then conducted a series of surveillance operations which confirmed the illegal activities of the suspect, allowing the agency to apply a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) that was later granted by the court.

An entrapment and rescue operation was conducted on January 10, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect, along with her common-law partner.

The two victims were also rescued, said the NBI.

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The NBI said the unidentified suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act (R.A.) 9208 as amended by R.A. 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022) in relation to R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); violation of R.A. 11930 (Anti-Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials); and violation of R.A. 7610 (Anti Child Abuse Law).