Two women were arrested and seven minors were rescued in separate operations against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Zamboanga City and Norzagaray, Bulacan from June 2 to 4, 2026.
Zamboanga City Operation
On June 2, personnel from the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Mindanao Field Unit served a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data in Zamboanga City, resulting in the arrest of a 27-year-old woman and the rescue of three female minors and one child at risk.
Police said the operation stemmed from a referral involving suspicious online content flagged by a partner organization. An investigation allegedly uncovered the production and distribution of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) for foreign clients in exchange for money.
Bulacan Operation
In a separate operation on June 4, the WCPC Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division arrested a 43-year-old woman in Norzagaray, Bulacan, and rescued three boys aged 11 to 16.
Authorities said the Bulacan operation was launched after intelligence information was shared by the Australian Federal Police through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center. Investigators alleged that the suspect was involved in the production and distribution of CSAEM involving minors.
Evidence and Charges
Digital devices, electronic storage media and other evidence seized during both operations are undergoing forensic examination to support the filing of charges under Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act of 2022, among other laws.
PNP Statement
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities will continue pursuing individuals involved in online child exploitation.
“The Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue those who exploit children online. We will ensure that every offender is held accountable and brought before the full force of the law,” Nartatez said.
“Ang karapatan ng bawat bata ay sagrado. Ang sinumang magtatangkang abusuhin o yurakan ito ay haharap sa buong bigat ng batas. Hindi magdadalawang-isip ang PNP na ipatupad ang hustisya,” he added. (The rights of every child are sacred. Anyone who attempts to abuse or violate those rights will face the full force of the law. The PNP will not hesitate to enforce justice.)
Context
The Philippines remains a global hotspot for online child exploitation. A 2022 study estimated that about 2 million Filipino children experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation in the previous year, while a Commission on Human Rights report said incidents rose to about 2.7 million by the end of 2023.
