8 children rescued from cyberporn den

CEBU, Philippines — A former call center agent allegedly exploiting minors online was arrested yesterday in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City.

Operatives of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in Central Visayas also rescued eight minors ages 3 to 17 during the entrapment operation. The Freeman withheld the name of the 30-year-old female suspect to protect the identity of the victims who were all her relatives.

ACG – 7 chief Police Chief Inspector Leo Dofiles said the suspect had been under surveillance for two months because of reports that she was using minors in cyberporn operation.

According to Dofiles, they were told that the suspect was selling nude photos of minors to foreigners using the internet.

Dofiles said the suspect offered to their undercover agent three minor girls, including a 10-year-old, during the entrapment operation. The suspect sent the photos of the minors in consideration of certain amount of money.

After the transaction was consummated, law enforcers immediately swooped down on the suspect resulting in her arrest and the rescue of the minors. The victims are now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

International Justice Mission director Atty. John Tanagho said the recent operation is another accomplishment in the fight against human trafficking.

 “Today's rescue and entrapment operation in Talisay City shows that multiple police units are actively investigating the perpetrators of online sexual exploitation in Cebu.  The Anti-Cybercrime Group Region 7 was able to arrest this suspected online trafficker who was sexually exploiting very young children as young as 10 years old.  It's high time that people respect the dignity of children," Tanagho said.— FPL (FREEMAN)