MATI CITY, Davao Oriental –– The Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) through its Mindanao Field Unit (MFU), successfully executed three simultaneous high-impact operations targeting Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The coordinated law enforcement activities included entrapment and rescue operations, as well as the implementation of a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD).
Led by Col Mario M. Baquiran Jr, chief of MFU, under the direct supervision of BGen Maria Shiela T. Portento, chief of WCPC, the operations were carried out jointly with Mati City Police Station, RACU XI, DSWD XI, and CSWDO-Mati City. Coordination was also ensured with RIACAT XI/RACETTF XI, DOJ-NCC OSAEC-CSAEM, and the International Justice Mission.
The operations resulted in the rescue of 11 victims, including eight females (seven minors and one of legal age) who were victims of exploitation and three children at risk. Three suspects were apprehended in connection with online child exploitation: two adults were arrested, and a 17-year-old female minor was rescued and taken into protective custody as a child in conflict with the law (CICL). Authorities also seized various digital and non-digital evidence linking the suspects to OSAEC and CSAEM activities.
Following the implementation of the warrants, the arrested suspects were brought to the Mati City Police Station for proper documentation and legal disposition. The CICL was taken into custody in the presence of CSWDO-Mati personnel for discernment and intervention in accordance with child protection protocols. All rescued children were immediately turned over to CSWDO-Mati for comprehensive assessment, evaluation, and psychosocial support to ensure their immediate safety and long-term welfare.
“These operations send a clear and uncompromising message: the PNP will not tolerate individuals who exploit our children. Whether online or within communities, we will locate them, stop them, and bring them to justice. Every child we rescue is a life reclaimed. WCPC remains fully committed to dismantling OSAEC networks with urgency, compassion, and resolve,” Portento said.
She also highlighted that offenders involved in these crimes may face penalties of up to life imprisonment and fines reaching ₱5 million, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Lt Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said: “The protection of our children is non-negotiable. I commend the WCPC and all partner agencies for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding our most vulnerable. The PNP will continue to strengthen its operations, enhance collaboration, and pursue offenders relentlessly. We stand united in ensuring that every child in the Philippines grows up safe, secure, and free from exploitation.”
The WCPC maintains a 24/7 official Facebook page for reporting incidents of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Members of the public with information that may aid in the rescue of victims or the investigation of offenders are urged to immediately contact the PNP Women and Children Protection Center through its official page: https://www.facebook.com/wcpc.didmpnp.
