NBI rescues 10 minors, arrests 2 in major child exploitation crackdown

NBI rescues 10 minors, arrests 2 in major child exploitation crackdown | Daily Tribune

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two individuals in Concepcion, Tarlac and rescued 10 minors in a coordinated entrapment and rescue operation against online child sexual exploitation.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the 10 June operation stemmed from a separate case involving Swedish national Heinz Henry Andreas Berglund, an alleged child-sex offender arrested last April 2 by the NBI–Violence Against Women and Children Division (VAWCD) in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit.

A parallel investigation was launched after a referral from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Manila, which pointed to a Filipina facilitator engaged in livestreaming sexually explicit content featuring children for paying customers abroad.

Further investigation revealed that the Filipina and her adult sister were exploiting their own underage sisters in the production of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The Nordic Liaison Office later confirmed Berglund’s connection to the same Filipina suspect under NBI investigation.

Armed with warrants to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD), the NBI led a joint operation on June 10 involving agents from the VAWCD, NBI-Tarlac District Office, Digital Forensic Laboratory, DOJ-IACAT, local police, social workers, HSI agents, and the NGO Destiny Rescue Philippines.

The team raided two identified residences in Concepcion, Tarlac — homes of the suspects and victims — resulting in the arrest of the two adult sisters and the rescue of ten minors. The minors, all relatives of the suspects, were immediately removed from the environment and placed under protective custody.

The suspects are now facing charges for violating several laws, including Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEMs Act), RA 9208 as amended by RA 11862 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination).

The two women were presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice on 11 June.

Authorities said the operation reflects the Philippine government's continued resolve to combat the growing threat of online sexual exploitation of children (OSAEC) through coordinated local and international efforts.