8 survivors of trafficking, online abuse obtain justice

CEBU, Philippines — Eight child victims of trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) have received justice following the conviction of the perpetrator after three years of legal proceedings in Lapu-Lapu City.

The case involved violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

On February 25, 2023, a composite law enforcement team led by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection—Visayas Field Unit conducted a rescue operation with the participation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7.

The operation followed information from the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about suspected online sexual exploitation involving children in the Philippines.

After conducting investigative activities and securing a search warrant, authorities rescued eight child victims and seized two digital devices.

The victims, five girls and three boys, were brought to a DSWD-managed center and residential care facility for protection and assistance.

The DSWD-7, through its Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), provided case management and assessed the individual needs of the victim-survivors and their families.

The victims received temporary shelter, psychosocial support, livelihood, and educational assistance, while their parents also participated in psychoeducation sessions.

The DSWD-7 also coordinated with the Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office for community-based psychosocial support through World Hope International Inc.

DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, in a statement, thanked the law enforcement agencies and other partners involved in the case for their cooperation that led to the conviction.

“At DSWD, social protection is our topmost priority. But our responsibility does not end with protection. We live out our culture of pagpakabana or genuine care for others by ensuring that victim-survivors are protected and supported throughout their journey toward recovery and justice,” Lucero said.

She stressed that children should not have to experience such trauma and expressed appreciation to the law enforcement partners for helping protect victims and pursue accountability.

The DSWD said the conviction highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and social welfare agencies in addressing child trafficking and OSAEC. — (FREEMAN)