3 kids rescued from online exploitation; ex-neighbor nabbed
CAVITE – Authorities rescued three children, aged four to six, from online sexual exploitation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, June 24.
The operation was conducted by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in Bacoor and Silang on Monday, June 22.
Operatives served a court-issued warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data while simultaneously carrying out a rescue operation.
A security guard, identified as alias Arnel, the victims' former neighbor, was arrested during the operation.
Arnel is facing charges for violating the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the police’s intensified efforts to “protect children and ensure that those who attempt to exploit them are held accountable.”
The rescued victims have been placed under proper care and protection, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to identify possible links and prevent further exploitation.