The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), through its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 13 (RACU 13), provided critical technical support that led to the successful rescue of six minors and the arrest of two suspects involved in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in separate operations in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.
On November 11, 2025, at around 5:18 PM in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, RACU 13 operatives assisted the Women and Children Protection Center – Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU) in implementing a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD). The operation resulted in the arrest of a female suspect identified only as “Ligaya” and the rescue of four minors. A digital forensic examination conducted on-site confirmed that the suspect possessed multiple Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). She now faces charges under RA 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act. The rescued children were immediately placed under the care of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for assessment and proper intervention.
Just a day later, on November 12, 2025, at about 8:30 PM, RACU 13 again provided digital forensic support—this time in Butuan City—during another WSSECD operation led by WCPC-MFU. Authorities arrested a male suspect known as “Usman” and rescued two minors from ongoing online exploitation. “Usman” is facing multiple charges, including violations of Article 336 (Acts of Lasciviousness), RA 7610, RA 11930, and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The PNP ACG emphasized that protecting children from online predators remains a top priority, vowing to further strengthen digital investigative capabilities and deepen coordination with partner agencies.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguard the most vulnerable. These operations show our resolve to bring offenders to justice and protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation,” the unit said.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious online activities that may involve the exploitation of minors.