At least 15 minors who are victims of cybersex in Manila were rescued on Thursday in the entrapment operations led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine National Police–National Capital Region Police Office (PNP–NCRPO).
In a press statement released on Friday, Sept. 9, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said two alleged sex traffickers were arrested and brought to the PNP Women and Children Protection Center for documentation and proper disposition.
“These kinds of crimes are very disturbing, and the worst of its kind as they target and victimize innocent children. The impact of cyber sex crimes on children have long-term effects on them and often times, ruin their lives,” Abalos said.
According to NCRPO’s report, one suspect was identified as Nazarene Joy Nodado, 18 years old, while her accomplice is a minor.
It said that the two will face charges of online prostitution/cybersex.
Last August, the DILG intensified its collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to combat cyber sex crimes, particularly online sexual exploitation of children in the country.
The law enforcement agencies vowed to track down and arrest all masterminds and syndicates behind the illegal acts.
“We have to take seriously these kinds of crimes preying on our children online and end sexual exploitation by strengthening our campaign against cyberporn and providing them safe space online, now that they are more exposed to activities done virtually in light of the restrictions brought by the pandemic,” Abalos stressed.
The DILG Chief appealed to the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activities to the hotline of DILG or the PNP.
