AUTHORITIES arrested on April 5 a 25-year-old female suspect during a service of arrest warrant issued against her for alleged crimes related to online sexual exploitation of children.
The warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court of Zamboanga Del Norte with no bail recommended for the suspect.
The suspect allegedly abused four minor victims who were rescued in 2021 in an operation conducted by Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU).
The arrest was then carried out in Barangay Antonino, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte where the operating team equipped with body worn camera approached the suspect.
The arrest was done by joint elements from the WCPC-MFU led by Police Staff Sergeant Fredelyn Faustino, chief investigator under the supervision of Police Colonel Christine Tan, chief WCPC-MFU, together with Labason Municipal Police Station (MPS) personnel led by Staff Sergeant Garry Burdago, Intel PNCO under the supervision of Major Roger A. Bartiana, Acop.
The Labason Municipal Police Station successfully served the warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act (RA) 7610, as amended by RA 9231 for violation of RA 9775 or Anti-Child Pornography Act, and Qualified Trafficking in Persons (RA 9208) as amended by RA 10364.
The accused was duly informed of her constitutional rights by the arresting officers in accordance with Philippine laws so that she would understand her inalienable rights as a citizen.
Tan said: "Team WCPC under the leadership of Brigadier General Edgar Cacayan, were quick to respond to the arrest warrant because they know that once a suspect is at large, they may still be actively committing crimes of online sexual exploitation of children until they are caught. It is comforting to know that the suspect is now in custody, and she can no longer escape the long arm of the law."
Lawyer Lucille Dejito, director of International Justice Mission (IJM) Cebu, said: "This arrest serves as a warning for all traffickers who livestream the sexual abuse and exploitation of children to paying offenders abroad. This crime may be profitable in their eyes, but it does not pay in the end. It is a serious offense with serious consequences, including potential lifetime imprisonment for those found guilty of such offenses. With the suspect now arrested, we can now continue the process of pursuing justice for the victims through a trial."
The WCPC runs a 24-hour Facebook page helpline, where people can report online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Visit and report at AlengPulis Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pnpwcpc.alengpulis. (PR)