Photo courtesy of PNP
Six minors were rescued and a suspect was arrested in an operation against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation was carried out by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center in coordination with the Anti-Cybercrime Group, Manila Police District, city social welfare authorities, and barangay officials.
Authorities said the raid stemmed from cyber intelligence leads provided through international and national monitoring systems, including INTERPOL’s child exploitation database and tipline reports from foreign counterparts.
Police obtained a court-issued warrant before conducting the search and seizure of digital devices linked to the suspected online exploitation activities.
The rescued children, aged between four and 14 years old, included one classified as a child-at-risk, officials said.
A 23-year-old suspect identified only by the alias “Jay” was arrested during the operation and is believed to be a relative and neighbor of one of the victims.
Forensic examination of electronic devices allegedly recovered from the suspect showed possible child abuse and exploitation materials, leading to the filing of charges under the country’s anti-online sexual abuse and exploitation law.
The minors have been turned over to social welfare authorities for care and psychosocial intervention while the suspect remains in police custody pending legal proceedings.