BABY FOR SALE
A 4-month old baby being sold on the dark web was among the 636 victims of online child abuse and sexual exploitation rescued by agents of the Philippine National Police since 2022, PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said on Sunday.
According to the top cop, a total of 636 victims of child exploitation have been rescued by the police since 2022 amid aggressive operations aimed at dismantling illegal networks targeting vulnerable children.
“This , reflect the PNP’s firm commitment to the ongoing fight against child exploitation as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” said Gen. Marbil as the Chief Executive ordered the police force to continue their unrelenting crackdown versus online child traffickers and child abusers, even citing some ‘horrible cases’ involving very young kids and sex fiends, including the victims’ relatives and guardians.
“The PNP stands firm in its fight against all forms of child exploitation. These 636 rescued victims represent lives saved and futures restored. Every rescue mission is a step closer to justice and a safer environment for our children,” said Gen. Marbil.
One of the most disturbing cases involved the rescue of a 4-month-old baby, facilitated by the infant’s own mother and aunt, who were apprehended for selling the child from their residence in Taguig City, he said.
The operation was carried out by the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), led by Brigadier Gen. Portia B. Manalad.
Gen. Marbil highlighted that these operations stem from efforts launched after the enactment of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) law, two years ago. Of the victims rescued, 375 are girls and 121 are boys, all aged 17 and under. Some of those rescued were already adults.
Since 2022, the PNP has conducted 307 operations targeting OSAEC-related crimes, with 145 operations carried out just this year. These efforts have led to the arrest of 167 suspects, the filing of 218 cases, and 12 convictions to date.
Gen. Marbil commended the efforts of the WCPC, which has been at the forefront of rescue operations and case build-up efforts, and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which has intensified online entrapment operations to track down and arrest offenders exploiting children through digital platforms.
The PNP Chief also emphasized the growing role of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in boosting investigative efforts.
“AI-powered tools are transforming the way we solve crimes and rescue victims, especially in cases involving the dark web. These technologies enable us to analyze vast amounts of data, identify suspects with greater precision, and swiftly respond to emerging threats,” Gen. Marbil explained.
He cited how AI-assisted investigations have led to quicker identification of perpetrators, resulting in timely rescues and successful prosecutions.
The top cop called on the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspected cases of child exploitation. “We urge every Filipino to take part in this fight. Protecting our children is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can ensure their safety and well-being,” he said.
Under Gen. Marbil’s leadership, the PNP continues to strengthen its partnerships with local and international organizations, disrupt trafficking networks, and leverage advanced technologies to deliver justice and protect the nation’s children.
