NBI arrests mother, two others over exploitation of children

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of a woman and two others over the alleged sexual exploitation of children, including the woman’s four minor daughters.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the agency conducted its operation after receiving information from its foreign counterpart.

“Sexually molested, yung mga picture nila binebenta,” Santiago said in a briefing.

(They were sexually molested, their pictures were being sold.)

The NBI said the woman offered a “sex tourism package” that involves her minor daughters for escort and sexual activities. The eldest is aged 14, while the youngest was 10-months-old.

According to the NBI, the children were sold for up to $50 or around P2,892.

“During the entrapment operation kasi ila-live stream niya ‘yung kaniyang mga anak amounting to $50 kada bata. Since apat ‘yun, $200 ‘yung kanyang pinangako na makukuha niya para doon sa apat na mga anak,” an agent on the case said.

(During the entrapment operation because she will livestream her children amounting to $50 per child. Since there were four, she would get $200 for her four children.)

“Once na nag livestream, palit na agad ng pera… through her Paypal accounts,” he added.

Due to this, the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) arrested the individuals for violation of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Meanwhile, NBI agents rescued eight minor victims, including four which were identified as victims offered for sexual exploitation.

“Nauunawan ko na dahil sa kahirapan, dahil sa pangangailangan sa pera ay humahantong sa ganitong business ang ating mga kababayan,” Santiago said.

(I understand that because of poverty, because of the need for money, some people get into this kind of business.)

“But then this is not a justification para sirain natin ang buhay ng ating anak. Marami namang government agencies ang tumutulong para mapalaki nila ng mahusay ang kanilang anak. Wag po tayong mag hangad sa malakihang pera kaagad pero ‘yung kinabukasan ng mga bata ay masira,” he added.

(But then this is not a justification to destroy the lives of our children. There are many government agencies that are ready to help in raising their kids. Let’s not seek ffast money but the lives of our children will be destroyed.)

Meanwhile, the NBI also announced the arrest of a Filipina who sold CSAEM materials to a foreign national on February 11.

According to the NBI, they were able to identify the Filipina and three minor victims after the arrest of a foreign national in October 2024 for child pornography at the Clark International Airport.

The Filipina was presented for inquest proceedings before the DOJ while the foreign national is under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.

Santiago said the victims are currently with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. — BAP, GMA Integrated News