MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Two minors, aged two and five, were rescued in a coordinated operation in Marawi City following allegations of exploitation and possible child trafficking involving their former caretaker, authorities confirmed.
The rescue was led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) through its Iligan District Office, in partnership with the Marawi City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC). The operation stemmed from a walk-in complaint filed by the children’s mother, who sought help after repeated failed attempts to retrieve her children from their former employer.
Initial investigation revealed that the mother had brought her two children—a two-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl—to Marawi City more than a year ago while she worked as a household helper. However, she was later allegedly forced by her employer to leave for Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, without her children.
Despite numerous attempts to reclaim custody, the employer reportedly refused to release the minors, prompting the mother to seek assistance from authorities.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, NBI operatives located and safely recovered the children in Marawi City. The agency operates under the supervision of NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
Following the rescue, an inter-agency response was immediately activated to ensure the children’s protection and rehabilitation. The effort involved the DOJ Action Center, the Regional Anti-Child Online Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force X (RACETTF-X) led by Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Barola-Uy, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Authorities said the seamless coordination ensured the children’s safe transition from rescue to recovery, including their reunification with their mother and referral for appropriate rehabilitation, aftercare, and continued protection.
The case also highlights the growing role of DOJAC as an accessible reporting platform. The mother reportedly learned she could directly seek assistance from authorities through information she gained during the DOJAC Katarungan Caravan held in Iligan City on February 21, 2026.
Officials underscored that the successful rescue demonstrates the government’s strengthened campaign against child trafficking and exploitation, particularly in vulnerable communities across Northern Mindanao.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the appropriate charges to be filed against the respondent, as authorities continue to build the case and examine possible violations of child protection and anti-trafficking laws.