Authorities rescued two girls who were allegedly being peddled by their uncle online in Zamboanga City. The uncle was arrested.

Police said the victims are cousins and are both less than 10 years old. 

“Siya yung nagkakapera. Mga bata ito, hindi sila aware na ganito ang ginagawa ng kanilang uncle. Kasi gay ito, LGBT ang suspek natin,” Women and Children Protection Center-Mindanao Field Unit (WCPC-MFU) Officer-in-Charge, Lt. Col. Mario Baquiran Jr., said.

WCPC-MFU discovered the suspect’s modus through online patrolling in May 2024. The suspect allegedly sold the victims' nude photos, which he allegedly took personally, to local and foreign clients online.

The victims’ parents reportedly did not know the suspect’s activities not until the operation was launched.

“So hindi talaga aware ang mga bata lalong-lalo na ang parents kasi siguro ginagawa niya sa time na sila lang ang tao sa bahay,” Baquiran added.

The suspect has underwent inquest proceedings while the victims were turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

The suspect will face charges for violation of Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (RA 11930) and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208).

“On-going ang forensic examination sa cellphone, sa mga gadgets nya. Hindi pa natin alam may mga makukuha pa tayong ibang information. Nakakalungkot kasi mismo pamilya, kapatid ng parent’s ng bata natin, inaasahan na safe yung anak, pero mismong kadugo yung gumawa nito,” Baquiran said.