AUTHORITIES have arrested five individuals who were allegedly engaged in child exploitation and sexual trafficking in Surigao del Sur.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa said 13 minors and two adult victims were also rescued in the same operation on Thursday, August 20, 2020.
The victims are now under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Ofice of Bislig City.
The suspects, names withheld to protect the children, were brought to the Bislig Municipal Police Station for the filing of charges for violation of RA 9208, RA 9775 in relation to RA 10175 and RA 7610; and violation of RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Gamboa said the operation stemmed from the information provided by Australian Federal Police.
The suspects, operating in two locations in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, held live sex shows online featuring children.
Gamboa said during the operation, four suspects were caught offering pornographic materials and live streaming a sex show featuring children in exchange for money from their clients.
Gamboa said some of the suspects were the parents of the victims.
He said operatives found “incriminating evidence” of child exploitation and trafficking.
“I am warning the parents and guardians of minors who suffer abuse in their hands. We are tracking your illegal online sex operations. We know where you are, who you are dealing with and how you have profited from these deplorable acts. We will put you behind bars,” Gamboa said.
The operation was conducted by the Women and Children Protection Center, and Anti-Cybercrime Group; with operatives of Caraga Region Police and representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Traffickng. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)