3 minors rescued from online sexual exploitation, trafficking in Iligan City
MANILA, Philippines — Three minors were rescued from online sexual exploitation and child trafficking in Iligan City, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) announced.
The Friday ACG report identified the suspect as a 39-year-old man under the alias “Noweenia.” The victims were a 14-year-old male, a 15-year-old female, and a 17-year-old female, classified as “children at risk.”
A concerned citizen tipped off authorities that the suspect was conducting online illegal activities at the latter’s residence, ACG said.
READ: SC: Threats, force not needed to prove child trafficking, exploitation
Further, according to the police’s anti-cybercrime unit, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) confirmed the suspect was already flagged for trafficking and reported four times since 2018.
Cyber patrolling by the anti-cybercrime unit of Northern Mindanao police and on-site surveillance by Lanao del Norte police preceded the arrest with the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 Iligan City, which later issued a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data.
Article continues after this advertisementThe three minors are now under the custody of the Department of Social Work and Development for proper care.
Article continues after this advertisementThe suspect faces charges for violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
“We will continue to intensify our operations against OSAEC and CSAEM, ensuring that those who exploit children online will face the full force of the law,” ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said in a statement Friday.