POLICE arrested a 46-year-old man and rescued a 14-year-old boy during a cybercrime operation in a barangay in Lapu-Lapu City late Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Members of the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Visayas Field Unit and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (Racu) served a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data at the suspect’s home around 11 p.m.
WCPC Visayas Field Unit chief Lt. Col. Janette Rafter said officers seized several cellular phones and found child sexual abuse material, including nude photos of young boys that the suspect allegedly sold online.
The investigation began after the WCPC received information from an international counterpart that a man was selling nude images of minor males online. A nongovernment organization helped validate the tip.
The suspect allegedly forced children, including the 14-year-old who lived with him, to undress and recorded them using his phone to sell the content to online customers.
Racu 7 chief Col. Artemio Ricabo said his office is committed to protecting children from online exploitation.
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift arrest and rescue. He urged parents to monitor their children and maintain open communication to prevent them from falling victim to cybercrime.
The suspect faces charges under Republic Act 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material Act. / AYB