Police have arrested five persons for allegedly exploiting 13 minors in an online sex trafficking activities in a raid in Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the sexual exploitation of minors appeared to have been tolerated by their parents and guardians in exchange for huge sums of money.
“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,” said Gamboa.
Gamboa said the operation conducted on Thursday stemmed from a tip provided by the Australian Federal Police about online sex trafficking based in the Philippines and catering to foreign clients. During the probe, police located the suspects in two locations in Bislig City.
The PNP and Australian Federal Police have been working together for a long time against child tracking and exploitation through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Child Center.
“The operation resulted in the rescue of 13 minor and two adult victims of exploitation and trafficking, and arrested five suspects, some of whom were the own parents of the victims,” said Gamboa.
Based on the investigation, Gamboa said the victims were being ordered to perform online live sex shows featuring children that are shown to foreign audience for a fee.
Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) were also served on the raided residences resulting in the discovery of more incriminating evidence of child exploitation and trafficking.
“Four suspects were arrested while offering child pornographic materials and live streaming sex show of children in exchange for money,” said Gamboa.
The 24-year old fifth suspect was arrested for possession of child pornographic materials as a result of onsite examination of a mobile phone in her possession, according to Gamboa.
The suspects will face criminal charges for violation of Republic Act (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.
The names of the suspects were withheld as it may lead to the identification of the minor victims and violate their rights.
The victims, on the other hand, are now under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Bislig City, while the arrested suspects were brought to the local police station.