As part of its continued commitment to protect children from abuse and exploitation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-10), through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), took active part in six (6) successful entrapment and rescue operations across Northern Mindanao during the first quarter of 2025. These operations, primarily led by law enforcement agencies, resulted in the rescue of 14 victim-survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
The joint operations involved the Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10, Task Force Against OSAEC Iligan City, and received strong support from the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force of the Department of Justice 10, the International Justice Mission, various local government social welfare offices, and DSWD 10 personnel actively participating in each intervention.
Highlights of the interventions include:
• In Iligan City, four operations led to the arrest of multiple perpetrators and the rescue of nine (9) minor victims, aged 3 to 16. The victim-survivors were reportedly biological children and nieces of the perpetrators, who were offering them online.
• In Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental, a 16-year-old victim-survivor, who was being exploited online was rescued. She was later identified as the sister of the perpetrator. She is now receiving protection and services in one of DSWD 10’s residential care facilities.
• In Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, DSWD 10’s RRPTP responded to a report involving the alleged exploitation of students by a public high school teacher. In coordination with the Department of Education in Misamis Occidental and the local government unit of Plaridel, the team facilitated the rescue of four (4) minors and led a post-operation case conference with parents and educators to ensure ongoing psychosocial intervention and monitoring.
All 14 rescued victim-survivors received hygiene kits and psychosocial counseling as part of immediate interventions. They have since been placed in appropriate temporary shelters, including DSWD 10’s residential care facilities, accredited Social Welfare and Development Agencies, or community-based protective settings. Ongoing support includes psychosocial services, case management, and other critical interventions.
To support the families of the victims, financial assistance was provided through the RRPTP and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program to address urgent needs.
“DSWD 10 remains at the forefront of child protection efforts in the region. Our mandate is not only to assist in these operations but to ensure that rescued children are immediately placed in secure environments where they can begin to heal and rebuild their lives,” said Ms. Marchelle M. Peñonal, RRPTP 10 Focal Person.
The Department reiterates its unwavering stance against all forms of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. DSWD 10 continues to strengthen its partnerships with local government units, civil society organizations, and international bodies to deliver coordinated, victim-centered responses and rehabilitation.
For inquiries or to report suspected trafficking or online sexual abuse cases, the public is encouraged to contact the RRPTP Helpline at 0928-386-5232 or reach out to local authorities. ###