In a decisive move against child sexual exploitation, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended a lawyer in Zamboanga City for possession of Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The arrest was carried out under the leadership of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), reinforcing the agency’s commitment to combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The operation stemmed from a referral by the Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) to the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) regarding an individual known as “KENCHI-11.” Investigations revealed that the suspect was uploading and storing explicit materials depicting pubescent male children engaged in sexual activities with other minors and adult males. Further analysis identified the suspect as Michael Pepania Molina, a practicing lawyer based in Zamboanga City.
On March 21, 2025, a joint team from NBI-HTRAD, the National Coordinating Center on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), NBI-Western Mindanao Regional Office (WEMRO), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region IX proceeded to Zamboanga City. Their efforts led to the identification and testimony of two victims, who disclosed disturbing details of abuse. The victims stated that Molina coerced them into performing sexual acts, recorded the abuse on his mobile phone, and later forced them to watch the recordings.
Subsequently, on March 25, 2025, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7 of Zamboanga City issued a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) for violations of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act of 2022.
During the search, authorities found Molina in his bedroom with two minors, aged 15 and 12. A smartphone linked to his Google account was retrieved, along with multiple external hard drives containing CSAEM. The investigative team also uncovered folders labeled with boys’ names, suggesting a pattern of exploitation.
The confiscated electronic devices were taken for forensic examination, while the two rescued minors were turned over to social workers for interview and processing. On March 27, 2025, Molina underwent inquest proceedings for multiple offenses, including Large-Scale Possession of CSAEM (R.A. 11930), Anti-Trafficking in Persons (R.A. 9208 as amended by R.A. 10364), and Child Abuse under R.A. 7610.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspected cases of child exploitation. This case underscores the ongoing threat of online sexual abuse and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from predators.