The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7, rescued two minors from a condominium unit in Cebu City after receiving a tip through the anti-trafficking helpline, officials said.
DSWD Condemns Abuse
DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, in a press statement on Sunday, June 14, 2026, emphasized the importance of community participation in reporting suspected abuse and exploitation of children.
“The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 strongly condemns all criminal acts committed against vulnerable children,” Lucero said. “We remain steadfast in ensuring their protection and welfare, and we will see to it that those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.”
Rescue Operation Details
The rescue operation was launched with NBI 7 personnel after authorities received a tip via the DSWD's Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons Helpline. The operation stemmed from a complaint by an unidentified individual, who reported seeing a foreigner bringing several minor boys into his condominium unit without adult supervision.
During the operation, authorities identified and arrested the foreigner along with two victims aged between 10 and 15 years old. In an earlier statement by NBI 7, the foreigner was arrested inside the condominium unit on May 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Legal Charges Filed
The suspect has undergone inquest proceedings for violating Section 6 and Section 10(b) of Republic Act 7610, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.” Investigation revealed that the suspect had no legal or biological relationship with the two minors. Authorities also confirmed that no other adult was present in the condominium unit at the time of the arrest.
DSWD Calls for Public Reporting
DSWD 7 encourages the public to report suspected trafficking cases through the DSWD 7 Tip Helpline at 09177030967. Incidents involving all forms of Violence Against Children can also be reported via the Makabata Helpline by dialing 1383.
