MANILA — With the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking rescued three minors and arrested a couple engaged in cybersex operations in Cordova, Cebu last May 26.
Led by the National Bureau of Investigation's Anti-Human-Trafficking-Division, the IACAT team from the Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, International Justice Mission nabbed Mila and Nilo for multiple violations.
These included violations of Republic Act 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act, and RA 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which carries penalties of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P2 million to P5 million.
According to NBI-Central Visayas Director Antonio Pagatpat, the couple allegedly used children in their community in Brgy Ibabao, including their 13-year-old daughter to pose nude and make lewd videos for their online customers for fees ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 per session.
Under Republic Act 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, the names of suspects are no longer kept confidential but for the protection of the couple's child, their true names were not mentioned.
The DSWD has taken custody of their daughter, another girl, 14, and a boy, 17.
Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, in-charge of IACAT, lauded the successful operations but said there is a lot more to be done.
"Our collaborations, both locally and internationally are key to this mission. We need to strengthen our commitment as the situation has serious impact into the way we view family and morality," Salazar said.
An information given by the USICE to the NBI headquarters in Manila led to the entrapment, after an American was arrested in the US viewing nude minors online.
Salazar said they will continue the monitoring of cybersex den operations in Cebu and Central Visayas.
The cybersex operations have been prevalent in the Visayas region, particularly in Cordova, Cebu for several years now with similar cases of parents "selling" their own children on-line.
The setting-up only requires a computer and a webcam and the payment is made quickly and accessibly through international money transfers.
"This victory against human trafficking should serve as a warning to all cybersex den operators all over the country. We'll make sure the offenders get punished," Justice Secretary Leila De M. Lima said. (PNA)
Cebu Couple Nabbed for Using Own Kid in Cybersex Operations
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