The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - Central Visayas Regional Office arrested a suspect for child sexual abuse and exploitation on November 27, rescuing three minors during the operation.
Armed with a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD), operatives from the NBI-CEVRO, along with officers from US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and personnel from a non-governmental organization (NGO), executed the warrant at the subject's residence in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This led to the subject's arrest.
The operatives seized three cellular phones from the subject, which contained Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) as well as sex toys.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the operation was initiated following a referral from the U.S. HSI Office concerning the subject's involvement in child exploitation activities.
Moreover, agents from NBI-CEVRO took part in a Zoom meeting to observe and supervise the real-time Skype interaction between a Homeland Undercover Agent and the subject, using a specific Skype username.
Subsequently, the subject's involvement in distributing CSAEM was confirmed.
The subject will face charges for violating the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
