Inter-agency operation: 13 cyber porn victims rescued

CEBU, Philippines - Elements of the National Bureau of Investigation-7 and the Department of Social Welfare and Development rescued at least 13 minors who are reportedly victims of cybersex operations in Cordova town.

The victims are from the same barangay where a couple was arrested in May for maintaining an online sex den.

The couple reportedly had their children performed sexual acts in front of a computer in exchange of money from local and foreign clients.

During the May arrest, the camera and net book that were seized from the suspects were turned over to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The operation yesterday was the result of the information the DHS got from the confiscated items where they were able to identify other online pornography victims.

Aside from the NBI-7 and DSWD elements, personnel from the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC), (DHS) and the International Justice Mission also joined the operation.

All the 13 victims are now in the custody of DSWD while three parents were invited by the NBI-7 for questioning.

In a press conference last night, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said the rescue was made in schools following the suggestion of the DSWD.

Five of the victims are out of school and were rescued in their barangay.

Dante Bonoan, chief of Human Trafficking Division of NBI in Manila, said they are monitoring the area due to the reported human trafficking incidents.

PWC Gender and Development officer Heddah Largo said there will be more operations against cyber pornography.

Largo said this is in line with PWC’s aim to curb the activities of trafficking of women and children in Cebu.

She warned operators of cyberpornography dens to stop the illegal activities before they get caught.

“Undangon nila if dili sila ganahan maigo sa ngipon sa balaud,” she said.

During the May 26 arrest, the NBI considered the suspect as the “Queen of Cyberporn” in Cordova. The bureau took into its custody the 13-year-old daughter of the suspect.

No violation

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy has found no violation in the rescue of the children, who were reportedly used by their parents in cyberpornography.

Sitoy, who is a lawyer, even lauded the NBI for conducting the operation.

“Maayo na aron ma-monitor sa NBI ang movement sa mga bata simbako og sekretohon na pud og pangombinsir ba,” Sitoy said. — With Gregg M. Rubio and Michael Vencynth Braga/USJR Masscom Intern/LPM (FREEMAN)