21/10/2026
#3 October 21
PNP, GLOBAL PARTNERS SAVE 16 VICTIMS, ARREST 2 IN ONE-DAY CHILD PROTECTION OPS
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), authorities rescued 16 victims, including 15 children, in coordinated operations in Rizal and General Santos City, resulting in the arrest of two suspects in separate cases involving the alleged online sexual exploitation of children.
The one-day operations on October 13 underscore how timely intelligence, close coordination, and swift police action can help bring children out of situations where they may be at risk of further exploitation.
The operations were undertaken by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) following intelligence referrals involving the alleged online sexual exploitation of Filipino children. Information developed through cooperation with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and authorities in Netherlands was coursed through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), leading to police action in Cainta, Rizal, and General Santos City.
A 20-year-old female suspect was arrested in Cainta, while a 36-year-old male suspect was apprehended in General Santos City. Authorities are looking into allegations that the suspects, who were identified as parents or close relatives of some of the victims, facilitated or participated in the production or distribution of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials in exchange for payments from foreign-based individuals.
Mobile phones and other digital devices were also secured for examination as part of the ongoing investigation and preparation of appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and other applicable laws.
Following the operations, the rescued children were referred to the appropriate social welfare authorities for medical assessment, psychosocial intervention, protective custody, and continuing support. The PNP emphasized that their protection and recovery remain central to the government's response.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said protecting children requires police action that is both swift and sustained, particularly as technology creates new avenues for exploitation.
βKapag may batang nasa panganib, every minute matters. Hindi sapat na makarating sa atin ang impormasyonβwe have to act on it, coordinate with the right people, and make sure that the child is placed in a safe environment. At pagkatapos ng rescue, hindi pa tapos ang trabaho. We have to make sure they receive the care and protection they need while we build the case against those who may have taken advantage of them,β Gen. Nartatez said.
The operation reflects the PNPβs Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes intelligence-driven police action, stronger inter-agency coordination, and responsive intervention against emerging threats. It also complements the administration's broader child protection efforts under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The PNP-WCPC worked with local police units and social welfare authorities, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOJ-National Coordination Center for Overseas Anti-Child Sexual Exploitation Materials, International Justice Mission, Project Rescue Children Philippines, and other concerned partners.
As the PNP strengthens its response to crimes that exploit children both online and offline, it continues to pursue a policing approach where rescue is matched by protection, investigation, and sustained support, in keeping with its commitment to a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
