STEPHANIE (real name withheld) made her 59-year-old Polish boyfriend believe she is 18, to earn his affection.

This lie, however, backfired when they arrived in Hagnaya wharf in San Remigio town, northern Cebu last Tuesday afternoon.

Stephanie, an 11th grader, admitted to the personnel of the Anti-Trafficking Help Desk that she is still 17 years old.

Her lover, Miroslaw Roman Nieczaja, was arrested.

Senior Insp. Audie Pelayo, San Remigio police chief, said they filed complaints against the foreigner yesterday for child abuse (Republic Act 7610) and allegedly violating RA 10384, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

“They are in a relationship but the foreigner will still face complaints because the girl is a minor,” said Pelayo.

Stephanie, a native of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, told police investigators that she met the foreigner on Facebook last year. They eventually became lovers.