DOJ files raps vs. man over sale of minors' explicit content

Prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have filed charges before the Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija against a man for allegedly selling explicit content of minors, the agency announced Tuesday.

In a seven-page resolution, charges were filed against the alleged perpetrator for violation of Section 4(c) of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

"It is clear from the evidence presented that the liability of violating Section 4(c) of RA 11930 falls upon respondent… in so far as the CSAEMs seized were found in his possession and the same were sent to the complainant for a fee and the videos and photographs shows his direct engagement in the obscene activities with minors," prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said that it could also be presumed that the man was selling CSAEM as more than three materials were found in his possession.

The case stemmed from the information received by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking against the respondent in March.

They identified social media accounts that were advertising explicit content and offering discounts for access to a VIP Telegram Channel for P499. This would be a lifetime access to more than 200 uncensored content.

Undercover agents then made the payment and received a link of sex videos. In at least two videos, the respondent was shown to be engaged in sex with minors, including a male who was purportedly in Grade 9.

Last May, a Manila court issued a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data against the respondent.

During the search, authorities found sexual abuse and exploitation materials of minors from his cell phone, the same videos posted on the Telegram channel, leading to his arrest.

For its part, the DOJ said the indictment highlights the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from online exploitation.

"This decisive action underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from online exploitation. This sends a clear message to perpetrators that justice will prevail, and the law will be enforced to its fullest extent," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News