The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing in court charges of qualified trafficking and sexual abuse and exploitation of children against a mother who sold online the live sex videos of her three minor children.
The charges to be filed in court involved the criminal acts committed by the mother, who was identified in the DOJ resolution as Jonalyn J. Rivera -- also known as Jennica Maine -- against her child whose name was denominated as "AAA."
The other charges against Rivera in connection with her two other children whose names were denominated as "BBB" and "CCC" were set for preliminary investigation last May 23 and 30. The DOJ has not disclosed the results of the investigation.
Under the law qualified trafficking in persons is a non-bailable offense.
The dispositive portion of the DOJ resolution signed by Prosecution Attorney Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga, Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia I. Laroza-Torrevillas and Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento stated:
"An information (criminal charge sheet) for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Qualified Trafficking in Persons) as amended by Republic Act No.10364 committed against minor victim 'AAA' be fled against Jonalyn Rivera y Jordan.
"An information for violation of Republic Act No.11930 (Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Act of 2022 committed against minor victim 'AAA' be filed against respondent Jonalyn Rivera y Jordan.
"The charge for violation of Republic Act No. 7610 as amended by Republic Act No. 9231 against repondent Jonalyn Rivera y Jordan is hereby dismissed.
"The charge for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Qualified Traffikcing in Persons) as amended by Republic Act No. 10362 committed against minor victims 'BBB' and 'CCC' is hereby the proper subject of regular preliminary investigation to be conducted on 23 May 2024 and 30 May 2024...."
The resolution was issued on May 9, 2024. A copy and a press briefer were given to journalists by the DOJ on June 2, 2024.
Rivera was arrested at her residence in Mabalacat City, Pampanga last May 7 during an entrapment operation conducted by operatives of the Philippine National POlice-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC).
During the operation, police also rescued her children ages 12, 5 and 3, the DOJ said.
In its resolution, the DOJ said Rivera showed her daughter’s naked body “while she took a bath to show to her customers for them to see and watch via online in exchange for a fee in the amount of $50.”
It noted that Rivera conducted the live show through the messaging application Skype in violation of RA 11930.
It said that the PNP-WCPC has been investigating Rivera since December last year after learning of the illegal activities on her Skype account that used the name Jennica Maine.
The PNP-WCPC conducted the entrapment operation after finally learning the whereabouts of Rivera, it said.
“The government will never relent in fighting those who exploit these fragile treasures of society, they are the worst enemies of the State,” assured DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement on Sunday, June 2.
Remulla urged the public to government authorities such activities.
"We need the help of a vigilant citizenry to weed them out," he stressed.