ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Seven minors, including a child-at-risk, were rescued in Iligan City after a daring entrapment and rescue operation targeting online sexual exploitation, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The operation, conducted on January 15, 2026, in Barangay Tambacan, resulted in the arrest of the suspect, identified only as alias “Jen,” the mother of the victims. She allegedly offered her own one-year-old child online for sexual exploitation. The rescued children ranged in age from one to six years old.
The operation was led by the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) Task Force Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), under the supervision of PMAJ Alexander C. Lawan, in coordination with Iligan City Police Station 4, CIDMU, RIDMD-10, and RACU-10. Authorities also coordinated with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), DOJ–Office of the City Prosecutor, Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking in Region X, and WCPC-MFU.
During the raid, several digital devices were seized and later tested positive for Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The operation is linked to violations of RA 11930, RA 9208 (as amended), and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The rescued minors are now under the care of the CSWD, while the suspect remains in ICPO custody pending charges.
ICPO officials reiterated their strong stance against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and called on the public to immediately report any suspicious activities.
“This operation is a stark reminder that vigilance and community cooperation are vital in protecting our children,” the police said.