ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities arrested a 27-year-old woman during an anti-online sexual exploitation operation conducted in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Rachel,” is now facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (OSAEC/CSAEM) Act.
The operation was carried out at around 2:38 p.m. through a joint entrapment and rescue mission led by the Department of Justice–Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Region 9 (DOJ-IACAT 9) and the Zamboanga Sibugay Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF), together with several law enforcement and child protection agencies.
Among the agencies that participated in the operation were the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Zamboanga City, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 9, City Intelligence Unit of the Zamboanga City Police Office (CIU-ZCPO), PCTC-WMFO, Zamboanga City Police Station 12, 904th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 9, Criminal Investigation Group-SWM/BARMM, CGIU-ZAMBO, Regional Women and Children Protection Desk of Police Regional Office 9, WCPC MFU, RACETTF 9, International Justice Mission (IJM), ICAC Specialists, and DOJ-NCC OSAEC/CSAEM.
Authorities implemented the operation by virtue of Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) No. 001-2026.
During the raid, operatives successfully rescued three minor female victims who were allegedly being offered online for sexual exploitation. Another child classified as a “child at risk” was also placed under protective custody.
Investigators also confiscated several pieces of evidence believed to be connected to the alleged online exploitation activities.
According to authorities, the entire operation was documented using body-worn cameras to ensure transparency and proper procedure. Two elected officials from Barangay Mampang were also present during the implementation of the warrant to witness the operation and ensure its legality.
Police said the suspect was informed of her constitutional rights in both English and Filipino before being taken into custody.
Following the operation, the suspect was brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 12 in Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City for proper documentation, processing, and detention.
Meanwhile, the rescued children were immediately turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for assessment, evaluation, and intervention. Authorities said the victims would be provided with the necessary protection, psychosocial support, and other assistance needed for their recovery.
The operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, which authorities described as a growing and deeply alarming crime affecting vulnerable minors across the country.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to pursuing individuals involved in child exploitation and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities involving minors.