The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Office 7 has arrested a foreign national in Cebu City after operatives caught him inside a condominium unit with two male minors during a law enforcement operation on the evening of May 24, 2026.
Operation Details
According to authorities, the operation was launched based on information received through the Trafficking in Persons Helpline of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7. At around 8:30 p.m., NBI operatives entered the condominium unit and found the foreigner alone with two minors, aged 10 and 15.
The NBI 7 stated that the foreigner was caught in flagrante delicto, meaning he was discovered in the act. The suspect is not related by blood or marriage to the children, and no other adult was present at the time of the arrest.
Rescue and Legal Proceedings
The two minors were immediately rescued and turned over to the custody of DSWD 7 for proper care and intervention. The suspect underwent inquest proceedings for violations of Section 6 and Section 10(b) of Republic Act (RA) 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
NBI 7 Supervising Agent and Executive Officer for Operations Wenceslao Galendez Jr. confirmed that a case has been filed against the suspect. The foreign national is currently held at the NBI 7 headquarters while awaiting the filing of formal information from the Prosecutor's Office.
Ongoing Investigation
Galendez added that authorities are still investigating how the children came into contact with the foreign national and whether sexual abuse was involved. The investigation aims to determine if there are other individuals or networks involved in the incident.
