18/08/2026
PNP INTENSIFIES DRIVE AGAINST ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION, RESCUES 41 VICTIMS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued 41 victims and arrested 11 individuals in 13 operations conducted nationwide from July 14 to August 14, 2026, as it stepped up efforts against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
The operations were conducted in areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Nueva Ecija, Cebu, Davao del Sur, Pampanga, Negros Occidental, Misamis Occidental, Metro Manila, Tarlac, Rizal, and Zamboanga City. The victims rescued included minors and adults.
Police operations combined rescue and entrapment procedures with warrants to search, seize, and examine computer data and warrants of arrest, when applicable, to support case build-up while prioritizing victim safety.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will continue to move quickly when children are placed at risk.
โWhen a child is in danger, we cannot afford to wait. We will act on information, protect the victim, and pursue the case through the proper process. Kapag may batang nangangailangan ng tulong, dapat maramdaman nila na may PNP na handang rumesponde.โ
The operations were supported by the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), which strengthens coordination and intelligence sharing among law enforcement and partner agencies in addressing OSAEC.
From 2019 to August 15, 2026, PICACC recorded 707 referrals, 364 operations, 202 arrests, 64 local convictions, and 944 rescued victims. WCPC operations through PICACC accounted for 401 referrals, 151 operations, 126 arrests, 56 convictions, and 583 rescued victims during the same period.
The PNP continues to strengthen its response through financial investigation, digital operations, technology-based monitoring, and coordination with government agencies, technology companies, foreign law enforcement partners, INTERPOL, and the Bureau of Immigration. It also promotes confidential reporting and digital literacy for parents, teachers, and children.
The effort is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, and supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening child protection and public safety.
The PNP also reminds the public that the WCPC is ready to assist families and communities facing concerns involving child abuse or exploitation.
โTo our parents and fellow Filipinos, nandito ang WCPC para tumulong. If you notice something suspicious online or believe a child may be at risk, please report it. Huwag po nating sarilinin ang concern. Let the PNP help assess the situation and take the appropriate action.โ
The PNP calls on families, schools, communities, and other partners to remain vigilant and help keep children safe online, as it continues to uphold Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
