Iligan City, Philippines – In a decisive operation against online child exploitation, the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) OSAEC Task Force, in coordination with various law enforcement and social welfare agencies, successfully carried out an entrapment operation in Brgy. Tipanoy on February 5, 2025.
The operation, conducted alongside Iligan City Police Station 4, Iligan City Mobile Force Company-SWAT (ICMFC-SWAT), Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10 (RACU10), and the Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU), led to the rescue of seven minors—one female and six males—who were at risk of online sexual exploitation. The Iligan City-CSWD, Department of Social Welfare and Development 10 (DSWD10), and the International Justice Mission (IJM) also supported the operation.
Authorities arrested two suspects identified by their aliases “Rosila” and “Jay-jay,” both of legal age and residents of the area. According to investigators, the suspects allegedly engaged the minors, including their own child and other relatives, in explicit online activities and distributed exploitative content to foreign individuals.
The operation, implemented under Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 02-2025, resulted in the confiscation of key evidence, including seven mobile phones, one Wi-Fi router, one USB flash drive, and drug-related paraphernalia. Among the seized drug-related items were a sachet containing a crystalline substance believed to be shabu, two sachets with residue, three aluminum foils, five aluminum tooters, and two disposable lighters.
The rescued children were immediately placed under the care of the CSWD Children’s Assessment and Processing Center for rehabilitation and support. Meanwhile, the suspects were detained and are facing multiple charges under Republic Act 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse of Exploitation Materials Act), Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 9208 as amended by Republic Act 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022).
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, praised the efforts of the operating units and partner agencies, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our children and bringing justice to those who exploit them. This operation demonstrates the dedication of PRO10 and our partner agencies in fighting crime and protecting vulnerable individuals,” De Guzman stated.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of online child exploitation, reinforcing their stance against such heinous crimes.
