EIGHT children, including a four-month-old baby, were rescued from a cybersex den in Barangay Luz in Cebu City on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

The operation, launched around 5 p.m. Wednesday, was conducted by personnel of the Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) Visayas Field Unit, Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Cebu City Police Office, and Regional Cybercrime Unit-Central Visayas upon the request of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Justice.

The operatives arrested a woman, whom police said had been placed under surveillance for engaging in cyber pornography activities.

Maj. Nicole Lawrence Ibo, chief of WCPC-Visayas Field Unit, said the suspect had also been linked to previous anti- cybercrime operations conducted by authorities.

He said among those rescued Wednesday were three female teenagers ranging from 17 years old and below.

The rescued four-month-old child, who has been considered a “child at risk,” was turned over to the DSWD-Central Visayas office.

Modus operandi

He said the suspect would offer the minors to foreign customers by first sending them their nude photos.

The suspect’s activities started in 2020, but were temporarily stopped due to the coronavirus disease (Covid- 19) pandemic. The suspect returned to her illegal activities just two months ago, said police.

“Kini sya stemmed from previous nga operation. Sa previous operation, among nahibal-an nag offer sad sya’g minor. Mohatag syag picture sa amoa lang, wala mi kahibalo sa mga foreigner,” Ibo added.

Charges for violating of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, will be filed against the suspect. (AYB, BBT / LMY)