Woman exploits son in cyberporn

A three-year-old boy was rescued by police operatives from his mother who allegedly forced him to perform sexual acts online for foreign customers.

The rescue operation in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City yesterday afternoon resulted in the arrest of the mother, whose identity The FREEMAN withheld due to the sensitivity of the case.

Operatives from Women and Children's Protection Center (WCPC) in Central Visayas raided the house of the suspect based on the search warrant issued by Judge Ramon Daomilas Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 10, for violation of Republic Act 9207 or the Anti-trafficking in persons Act and RA 9775 or the Anti-child pornography act in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Prior to the raid, police operatives already received information about the illegal activity of the mother. Initial information revealed that the mother had sent lewd videos of her son to foreigners abroad.

Yesterday's operation happened two days after 13 trafficking victims were also rescued in Biliran and Tacloban resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

"This is a reminder that there is much progress in fighting against OSEC (online sexual exploitation of children), and effective law enforcement can rescue and protect traumatized Filipino children across the country," said lawyer John Tanagho, Cebu field office director of the International Justice Mission.

"It is believed that she (mother) had other victims who are yet to be found, including a 5-year-old girl pictured in those explicit photos. The WCPC is still searching for these outstanding victims," Tanagho added.

The child is now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development while criminal complaints are being readied against the suspect.-Christell