1 day Ago
Authorities arrested an individual in Zamboanga City for the alleged sexual exploitation of children, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday. The DOJ said the individual — who is a certified public accountant, lawyer, and realtor — was arrested during a joint operation on March 26, leading to the rescue of three minors. The minors are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), according to the DOJ.
Meanwhile, authorities identified six other victims, some of whom are already adults, who may have suffered sexual abuse. The DOJ said the seized items show that the individual may have started exploiting children in 2012 while his collection and production of child abuse materials may have started in 2002. It said that he is facing multiple charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
“These laws impose severe penalties on individuals engaged in human trafficking, online sexual exploitation, and any form of child abuse, ensuring that those who prey on vulnerable minors are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the DOJ said. The DOJ said he is currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation-Western Mindanao Regional Office detention facility. —Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News.
