NBI rescues 15 from Cebu City cybersex den

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rescued 14 girls and a boy, believed forced to engage in cybersex by an Australian national in Cebu City last Friday.

NBI Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas identified the suspect as Drew Shobbrook, alias Dean Fred Hoban, of 96 A. Lopez Street, Labangon, Cebu City.

NBI- Central Visayas regional director Antonio Pagatpat said three of the girls filed a complaint last month against Shobbrook.

The girls said the suspect forced them to pose nude on the Internet. Four of the victims were minors.

The NBI said two women, one identified as Leslie Ann Fernandez, were allegedly paid by the suspect to recruit minors through the Facebook.

The Australian reportedly promised to give the victims monthly allowance, shopping allowance, education, food, and an apartment to stay. He allegedly took nude pictures of the girls, which he posted on the Internet.

The girls alleged the suspect failed to meet his promises.

On Friday, NBI operatives raided the suspect’s apartment and rescued the victims who were turned over to the local Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office.

Found inside Shobbrook’s apartment was a laptop containing the girls’ photographs and some pornographic files.

Charges for violation of the Expanded Anti-Human Trafficking Act and Anti-Child Pornography were filed against Shobbrook before the Cebu City prosecutor’s office.