Four minor victim-survivors, including two toddlers, immediately received protection and recovery services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-10) following a successful entrapment and rescue operation against a suspected online child sexual exploitation offender in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, on July 25, 2026.
The operation, conducted at around 10:00 a.m., was led by the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit (PNP WCPC-MFU). The arrest stemmed from an online investigation and cyber patrolling conducted by an undercover investigator, during which the suspect allegedly communicated with an undercover online account and offered minors for sexual exploitation. A 22-year-old male suspect was arrested and is now undergoing the appropriate legal process.
Rescued during the operation were a 14-year-old girl, a 9-year-old girl, a 3-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy. One of the children has special needs. Based on the initial investigation, all four children were allegedly offered by the suspect during his online interaction with the undercover investigator.
Immediately after the rescue, DSWD-10, through its Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), provided psychosocial support and other immediate interventions to help the children begin their recovery. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Calamba assumed case management and arranged temporary shelter for the victim-survivors. DSWD-10 continues to work closely with the local government to ensure the children’s safety, recovery, and long-term well-being.
Initial findings by law enforcement indicate that the suspect allegedly offered minors online for sexual exploitation in exchange for money. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are conducting a forensic examination of the suspect’s electronic devices to determine the full extent of the alleged online sexual abuse and exploitation and to identify any additional victim-survivors.
Regional Director Glofelia J. Uayan emphasized that every rescued child deserves not only protection but also the opportunity to heal and rebuild their future.
“No child should ever be treated as a commodity for exploitation. The rescue of these children reminds us that behind every case is a young life that deserves protection, healing, and the opportunity to grow in a safe and loving environment. At DSWD-10, our responsibility does not end with the rescue. We remain committed to providing trauma-informed care, strengthening each child’s support system, and working hand in hand with our law enforcement and partner agencies to ensure that justice is pursued while every victim-survivor is given the chance to recover and rebuild with dignity,” Director Uayan said.
The Department reminded the public that online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a grave offense punishable under Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Acts. Cases involving human trafficking may also be prosecuted under Republic Act No. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. These laws strengthen the government’s efforts to protect children from exploitation, hold offenders accountable, and ensure comprehensive assistance for victim-survivors.
The successful rescue operation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the PNP WCPC-MFU, Calamba Municipal Police Station, MSWDO Calamba, DSWD-10, the Department of Justice–Regional Anti-Child Online Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force 10, and International Justice Mission (IJM). With the full operational support of the Local Government Unit of Calamba, the agencies carried out a swift and coordinated response.
DSWD-10 also called on the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected cases of child abuse, online sexual exploitation, trafficking, and other forms of violence against children to the appropriate authorities. Suspected cases of trafficking in persons, particularly those involving OSAEC, may also be reported through the RRPTP Helpline at 0928 386 5232.
The Department continues to work closely with its partner agencies to support the children’s rehabilitation and reintegration while assisting in the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. ###