Online trafficker caught; 3 victims rescued
Surigao del sur—Law enforcers arrested a 22-yearold woman who offered to livestream the sexual abuse of her younger sisters and daughter for paying online predators.
Operatives from the Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU) rescued the suspects’ sisters aged 13 and 15 and her three-year-old daughter from their home in Barobo, Surigao del Sur past 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.
Although not identified as a victim yet, the suspect’s other daughter, two years old, was also taken into protective custody because she is considered a child at risk. (The suspect’s name is withheld to keep the identity of her sisters and children confidential).
The WCPC-MFU was granted a warrant by Judge
Retrina Fuentes of Davao City, Davao del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 10 to search the suspect’s electronic devices for evidence of online sexual exploitation of children (Osec). Forensic examination of her electronic devices is ongoing as of this writing.
The investigation began in February this year after the WCPC-MFU received information about the suspect’s illegal online activities from a confidential source. (The WCPC is a specialized and dedicated anti-trafficking unit within the Philippine National Police.)
During online surveillance, investigators learned that the suspect offered to sexually abuse her sisters and daughter and livestream the abuse in exchange for money from online predators.
The victims are now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The suspect will be charged with violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or Republic Act 9208 (RA) (as amended by RA 10364), among other violations.
“Today’s successful operation is another testament to our commitment to lock up people who exploit our children online and to bring rescue to their victims. The WCPC, our partner law enforcement units, and the entire criminal justice system will be relentless in our effort to end online sexual exploitation of children (Osec) in the Philippines. To those who are doing this crime or have plans to do it for easy money, you cannot hide. We know how to get you,” said Col. Christine Tan, chief of WCPC-MFU.
DSWD-Caraga Region Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim said: “When it is a family member or someone close to these children who are perpetrators, we need to step up and be there to provide all the help that they can get. It is sad that there are these instances, where the people you trust place you in harm’s way. Regardless of the circumstances, children should never be placed in a situation where they are vulnerable to abuses—worse, situations where their innocence is jeopardized. Poverty is never an excuse to put children in harm’s way. They should never be collateral or payment to any favors. There is always another way to survive. Putting these children in danger is unacceptable no matter the reason, no matter the situation.”
Lawyer John Tanagho, director of the International Justice Mission (IJM)–Cebu Field Office, echoed Director Lim’s sentiment. “Some blame Osec on poverty. Yet millions of poor Filipinos work hard—sometimes two jobs—to earn an honest living without sexually abusing children online. While Osec offenders are often motivated by the desire for a lot of ‘easy money,’ it is a weak excuse to blame Osec on poverty. Filipino children deserve better,” he said.
Tanagho commended the WCPC, the Anti-Cybercrime Group, and the DSWD “for their relentless fight to rescue and protect vulnerable children from (Osec).”
“Osec severely harms children emotionally, causing them to suffer trauma. IJM urges community members to immediately report cases of suspected Osec to authorities so that young children are not abused for another day,” he added.
Also supporting today’s operation were the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Barobo Municipal Police Station, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (Racu) 10, Racu 13, DSWD 13, Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 13, and nongovernment organization International Justice Mission.
Osec is a crime that violates the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act or Republic Act (RA) 9208 (as amended by RA 10364), which comes with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of two (2) million to five (5) million pesos.
Typical Osec offenses also violate RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009) and RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law). Each of these violations has penalties equivalent to 12 to 40 years imprisonment.
You may report a suspected case of Osec by texting ENDOSEC to 7444-ATIPD or 7444-28473 (free of charge for Smart network subscribers). You may also directly connect with WCPC at (032) 410-8483 for Visayas and (02) 310-4255 or 0928-604-6425 for Mindanao.
IJM is a global organization that protects the poor from violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. www.ijm.org
Regardless of circumstances, children should never be placed in a situation where they are vulnerable to abuses— worse, situations where their innocence is jeopardized. Poverty is never an excuse to put children in harm’s way. They should never be collateral payment to any favors.