Police arrest Australian nat’l with 6 minor girls

CEBU, Philippines —  

According to Police Executive Master Sergeant Yuri Colonia of the San Remigio Municipal Police Office, the Australian and the minors were intercepted before boarding a vessel to Bantayan Island.

During the investigation, the minors claimed they willingly accompanied the Australian for an island-hopping trip.

The suspect denied any wrongdoing, stating they were friends and that he has a girlfriend who was not present at the time.

Under the Philippine Constitution, such an act is prohibited regardless of consent.

"Unya ubos sa atong balaod, gidili man jud na nga magkuyog og batan-on either in public or private place," said Colonia.

Republic Act 7610, Section 10 (b), also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, prohibits any adult from being in the company of minors in private or public places unless they are relatives or engaged in lawful duties.

The law stipulates that violators shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less than P50,000.

“Any person who shall keep or have in his company a minor, twelve (12) years or under or who in ten (10) years or more his junior in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach and/or other tourist resort or similar places shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000),” the law said.

Further investigation revealed the suspect had been staying at a hotel in Cebu City and had a history of suspicious activities involving minors.

PCOL Jovito M. Atanacio, Acting Provincial Director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office, emphasized vigilance in preventing the exploitation of minors.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar cases. The Cebu Police Provincial Office is committed to upholding the welfare and safety of our youth and the entire community,” said Atanacio.

The rescued minors have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 for psychological care and proper intervention.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the San Remigio Police Station, with a formal complaint already filed in court. (CEBU NEWS)