01/10/2026
SIX CONVICTIONS IN CHILD TRAFFICKING, ONLINE EXPLOITATION CASE IN LAPU-LAPU CITY
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), in coordination with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other partner agencies, helped secure six convictions in a child trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation case decided by the Family Court, 5-FC (Opon), Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
In its September 16, 2026 decision, the court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt in all six criminal cases—three counts of Qualified Child Trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, and three violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
The penalties imposed included life imprisonment and fines in five of the six cases, while one case carried imprisonment of 12 years and one day to 20 years, with corresponding fines and civil awards for the child-victims as ordered by the court.
The case stemmed from information referred by HSI Manila in 2021 concerning suspected online exploitation involving children in the Philippines. The PNP conducted investigative activities, including surveillance and an online undercover operation, which generated leads that helped identify the subject and secure a search warrant.
On February 25, 2023, a composite law-enforcement team implemented the warrant in Lapu-Lapu City. Two mobile phones were recovered, while child-victims were rescued and referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for appropriate protection and assistance.
Evidence presented during trial included child-witness testimony, lawfully obtained digital evidence, documentary records, and evidence gathered during the police operation. After considering the evidence presented by both sides, the court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt on all six cases.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of careful investigation and victim protection in cases involving children.
“Kapag bata ang involved, every step matters. Hindi puwedeng puro bilis lang—we have to make sure the investigation is careful, the evidence is properly handled, and the children are protected throughout the process. In the end, we want our work to stand in court and, more importantly, to help give the victims the justice they deserve.”
The Chief PNP also recognized the contribution of international and government partners whose cooperation helped advance the case from the initial referral through investigation and prosecution.
The PNP-WCPC continues to strengthen its response to trafficking and online exploitation through inter-agency coordination, digital investigation capabilities, victim-sensitive procedures, and timely law-enforcement action. These efforts support the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), through coordinated, intelligence-informed, and accountable police operations.
The PNP's continuing efforts also support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to protecting children and strengthening law enforcement against crimes that exploit vulnerable members of society.
The PNP reminds the public that protecting children is a shared responsibility. Information on suspected trafficking, online sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse may be reported to the proper authorities for appropriate intervention, while respecting the rights and privacy of victims.
Through sustained investigation, strong inter-agency coordination, and adherence to due process, the PNP remains committed to protecting children and pursuing cases involving their exploitation with the seriousness they require, consistent with the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)