MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Two individuals suspected of operating an online sexual exploitation scheme involving minors were arrested during an entrapment operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in two separate locations in Mati City on Friday afternoon, March 13, 2026.
The operation, carried out at around 3:00 p.m., was jointly conducted by operatives from the Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC), the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk (RWCPD), the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU), and the Mati City Police Station (CPS). The coordinated action was led by Police Colonel Mario M. Baquiran, chief of the WCPC–Mindanao Field Unit, with support from representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Mati City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Authorities identified the suspects by their aliases “Lalai,” 37, a resident of Barangay Lawigan, and “Sheines,” 32, a resident of Barangay Don Enrique Lopez, both in Mati City.
According to police reports, the suspects were allegedly involved in recruiting and exploiting minors through online and internet-based transactions. Investigators said the suspects facilitated communication between clients and minors, arranging explicit online video interactions in exchange for money.
During the entrapment operation, authorities successfully rescued five young victims believed to have been exploited in the illegal activity. Law enforcement officers also confiscated several gadgets allegedly used by the suspects to communicate with clients and coordinate the illicit transactions.
Preliminary investigation revealed that clients would allegedly request to watch the minors perform explicit acts during video calls, with payments made to the suspects who acted as intermediaries.
The rescued minors were immediately placed under the care and protection of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the City Social Welfare and Development Office for proper assessment, counseling, and rehabilitation.
Police officials stressed that the operation highlights the growing threat of online sexual exploitation of children, particularly with the widespread use of smartphones and internet platforms.
Authorities urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and be vigilant about their use of mobile phones and social media platforms.
Law enforcers advised parents to guide their children on responsible internet use, limit unsupervised phone access, especially at night, and regularly check the websites and online applications their children visit. They also encouraged parents to be familiar with their children’s circle of friends and maintain open communication with them.
The police further appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activities involving minors to the Mati City Police Station or other law enforcement agencies.
Cases for violations related to online sexual exploitation of children are currently being prepared against the suspects, while authorities continue to investigate the possible involvement of other individuals linked to the illegal operation.