Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla — stressing the State’s role as “parens patriae” for the vulnerable, particularly children — directed the Department of Justice (DoJ) to file multiple criminal cases against a teacher for child sexual abuse and exploitation. The cases were filed before the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 11.

In a 15-page resolution, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center reported receiving a referral from Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rodan Parrocha, OIC director of the DoJ’s Office of Cybercrime, regarding a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a US-based nonprofit organization that investigates child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Authorities, acting on the referral, obtained substantial information about the accused’s activities and details, leading to his arrest.

The DoJ panel of prosecutors, led by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia I. Laroza-Torrevillas and Prosecution Attorney Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga under Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon, found strong prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Leoncio Benigno Thiem Tolentino.

Tolentino is charged with Online Sexual Exploitation of Children under Republic Act 11930 and Lascivious Conduct under Republic Act 7610, as well as violations of Republic Act 9775 in relation to Republic Act 10175, and the Revised Penal Code.

Remulla hailed the prosecutors for their dedication to upholding justice and ensuring accountability for those who commit heinous acts against children.

“This is a testament to the DoJ’s unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, especially in cases involving the most vulnerable members of our society,” Remulla said.

The DoJ said the victims, a 13-year-old and a 6-year-old, were minors at the time of the incidents and that Tolentino, an educator, had used his authority to manipulate and exploit them.

Evidence revealed Tolentino’s actions were premeditated and carried out with a clear intent to abuse the victims’ trust and innocence.

The agency also assured the victims and their families that justice will be served, while the public was urged by the DoJ to remain vigilant and report any known incidents of child abuse and exploitation.