GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A minor was rescued and the child’s mother was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents over allegations that she produced, offered, and sold child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) involving her own child to foreign buyers through online platforms.
The operation was conducted on October 28, 2026, at Purok Malayang Nayon, Barangay Mabuhay, General Santos City, by personnel of the NBI Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD) and the NBI Sarangani District Office (NBI-SARDO), with assistance from the NBI Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL), the General Santos City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the Child Rescue Coalition (CRC).
Authorities implemented a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), allowing investigators to examine the subject’s electronic devices and gather digital evidence relevant to the investigation.
According to the NBI, the case originated from a referral by the Department of Justice’s National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM). The referral was based on reports submitted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) after the messaging application Kik flagged an account associated with the subject.
Initial information indicated that the woman allegedly offered and sold CSAEM to foreign individuals in exchange for money. The materials reportedly involved the woman and her minor child, with potential buyers identified as individuals from the United States, Australia, and Germany.
During the operation, investigators examined the subject’s mobile phone and reportedly recovered materials linked to child sexual abuse and exploitation. The findings formed part of the evidence supporting her arrest for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
The rescued child was immediately turned over to the General Santos City CSWDO for appropriate intervention, protective care, and assessment of the minor’s condition. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the child’s identity or circumstances, consistent with the need to protect the privacy and safety of a child victim.
The arrested woman was subjected to inquest proceedings and remains under the custody of the NBI-SARDO.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag commended the coordination among the NBI-VAWCD, NBI-SARDO, and NBI-DFL, particularly the swift seizure of digital data and the rescue of the minor.
Matibag said the operation demonstrated the bureau’s commitment to protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, especially in cases where the alleged perpetrator is a parent or someone who should have been responsible for the child’s protection.
In a separate statement, NBI-SARDO chief Atty. Noel Morales expressed dismay over the allegations, pointing out the disturbing circumstances of a case in which a mother allegedly became involved in the exploitation of her own child rather than fulfilling her responsibility to protect the minor.
Morales said the district office acted promptly after receiving information about the alleged online sale of explicit photographs and videos involving the child. He added that the materials were reportedly offered to foreign buyers for substantial amounts of money.
The case highlights the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation, in which digital platforms and private messaging applications can be used to distribute abusive materials and connect perpetrators with buyers across international borders.
The involvement of a foreign market also underscores the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, digital forensic specialists, child protection institutions, and international reporting mechanisms in identifying victims and tracing those responsible.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and pursue the appropriate legal proceedings.
The NBI urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious online activities that may involve the sexual abuse or exploitation of children. The bureau also reiterated that protecting children from digital exploitation requires collective vigilance, timely reporting, and the cooperation of families and communities.