02/08/2026
Let us protect our children.
23 CHILDREN SAVED, 6 FALL IN PNP’S NATIONWIDE ANTI-ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION DRIVE
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., rescued 23 children and arrested six suspects in a series of nationwide operations against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) conducted from July 14 to 25, 2026, underscoring the organization’s sustained campaign to protect children from online exploitation and hold offenders accountable.
The operations, led by the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), were carried out in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Misamis Occidental. They resulted in the rescue of 23 child victims and children at risk, the arrest of six suspects, and the seizure of mobile phones, computers, storage devices, and other digital evidence expected to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in the production and distribution of OSAEC and CSAEM.
The successful operations stemmed from domestic and international intelligence referrals and were conducted through joint operations with local police units, the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), barangay officials, foreign law enforcement partners, and child protection organizations. Among those rescued were infants, toddlers, and minors who were allegedly exploited by persons entrusted with their care, including parents and close relatives who reportedly facilitated the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials in exchange for money from foreign offenders.
Authorities are pursuing criminal charges under Republic Act No. 11930 and other applicable laws against the arrested suspects. In one operation, charges for Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, will likewise be filed. All rescued children were immediately turned over to the appropriate social welfare agencies for medical assessment, psychosocial intervention, protective custody, and long-term recovery services.
The accomplishment reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, a strategic direction for organizational transformation that strengthens police service through intelligence-driven and responsive law enforcement. At the heart of this effort is the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, reinforcing the PNP’s capability to prevent crimes and protect the country’s most vulnerable sectors.
“The rescue of these children demonstrates our unwavering resolve to protect every Filipino child from exploitation and abuse. We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on the innocent and ensure that every offender is brought before the courts to answer for these crimes,” said PGen Nartatez.
“Hindi kami titigil hangga’t may batang nalalagay sa panganib. Ang bawat batang naililigtas ay isang buhay na nabibigyan ng panibagong pag-asa at mas ligtas na kinabukasan,” he added.
As the PNP intensifies its fight against online child sexual exploitation and other crimes that threaten the welfare of Filipino children under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
