DOJ probing Filipino accomplices of graphic artist jailed over child rape in PH

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the possible Filipino accomplices of the graphic artist who was convicted in France for ordering the livestreamed rape of preteen girls in the Philippines.

In a statement posted on Tuesday, the Justice Department said it is working with the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC (online sexual abuse or exploitation of children) and CSAEM (Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials) and the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center to investigate the case and prosecute the Filipino facilitators. 

The agency is also seeking to improve and institutionalize the information sharing and collaboration among law enforcement agencies across various countries.

The DOJ issued the remark after a French court found Bouhalem Bouchiba, a graphic artist who worked on films for Pixar and Disney, guilty of complicity in the rape of hundreds of girls and in human trafficking and of viewing child pornography online.

He was convicted of paying women in the Philippines between 2012 and 2021 to rape and sexually assault girls aged between five and 10 in front of a camera while he watched via livestream and issued instructions.

“This case sends a powerful message that child exploitation, whether online or offline, will not be tolerated,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

“The government will continue to work diligently with international partners to ensure that offenders are brought to justice and that our children are safeguarded from such crimes,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the DOJ called on anyone with information about child exploitation to report to authorities immediately. — BAP, GMA Integrated News