Authorities in Surigao del Sur have successfully rescued four children from online sexual exploitation in a targeted operation that led to the arrest of a female suspect.
International Cooperation Leads to Rescue Operation
The Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center Mindanao Field Unit conducted the rescue operation on November 11, 2025 in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur. The operation was initiated following a referral from the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center under case number Picacc No. 2022-0386-NCA-Trangia, which had been endorsed by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency.
Police Colonel Mario M. Baquiran Jr., chief of the Mindanao Field Unit, led the operation under the supervision of Police Brigadier General Maria Sheila T. Portento, acting chief of WCPC. The team worked in coordination with multiple agencies including other PNP operating units, DSWD-Caraga, MSWDO-Bayabas, NCC-OSAEC/CSAEM, Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force-13, and International Justice Mission.
Children Rescued and Evidence Collected
During the operation, law enforcement successfully rescued four victims including one female minor and three children considered at risk. The rescued children included one male, one female, and an 18-month-old baby. All victims were removed from an abusive environment where they were being exploited to create online sexual content.
Authorities implemented Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data No. 01-2025, which enabled them to collect crucial digital evidence. The digital forensic examiner from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-13 conducted an on-site forensic examination of the suspect's mobile phone, discovering several Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials files.
The suspect was arrested for violating Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act. Investigation revealed the suspect had used a child to participate in the creation, production, and distribution of CSAEM online through information and communication technology.
Aftermath and Ongoing Protection Efforts
The rescued victims have been placed under the protective custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Bayabas for immediate assessment, evaluation, and necessary intervention. This operation forms part of the PNP-WCPC-MFU's intensified campaign to dismantle online sexual exploitation networks and protect vulnerable children from digital predators.
The WCPC-MFU emphasized their commitment to pursuing those who exploit vulnerable individuals through online platforms, stating that protecting children and victims of exploitation remains their top priority.
The Women and Children Protection Center maintains a 24/7 Facebook page where community members can report incidents of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The public is encouraged to provide information and report suspicious activities through the official PNP Women and Children Protection Center Facebook page.
