By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation – Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) on Friday said it rescued a minor-aged victim of online sexual exploitation in Bacoor City, Cavite following information from the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In a statement, the NBI said the FBI, through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center, referred a foreign national allegedly engaged in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, as well as the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials.
The foreign national had been allegedly “grooming” the victim for sexual exploitation.
Investigation revealed that the victim was repeatedly exploited online.
NBI-HTRAD, in coordination with the NBI- Cavite North District Office, conducted surveillance to confirm the victim’s physical location and identity.
A joint operation was conducted on Sept. 16, resulting in the rescue of the minor who was subsequently placed under the protective custody of the City Social Welfare and Development-Cavite.
Charges will be filed against the perpetrators for violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act) in relation to Sec. 4(c)(2) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012) and further amended by RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022); and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
