The National Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTD) and South Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) successfully rescued a victim of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in a joint operation in this town on Thursday, 24 July.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the rescue was a follow-up to an earlier operation conducted on 3 June, which led to the arrest of Jacky Lou Geraban Parohinog, also known as “Jacky,” along with several others for violating Republic Act 11930, or the “Anti-OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act,” in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

“This rescue is part of our intensified campaign to identify and protect OSAEC victims and bring perpetrators to justice,” Santiago said. “The exploitation of children online is a growing threat, and the NBI will not relent in its pursuit of justice.”

A post-operation investigation led authorities to an online alias “Ate Bibian,” who was reportedly supplying exploitative materials to Parohinog. Through surveillance and victim identification, agents were able to track the whereabouts of another possible victim.

With the coordination of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XI, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in Lupon, and the Banaybanay Municipal Police, the victim was safely rescued and turned over to social workers for care and protection.

The NBI said the victim later positively identified several individuals involved in the abuse.

“We are preparing to file charges against the facilitators named by the victim,” said Atty. Olga I. Angustia-Gonzalez, head of NBI-HTD. “The testimonies will form the backbone of our case to ensure these individuals are held accountable.”

Atty. Arcelito C. Albao, regional director of NBI-SEMRO, commended the inter-agency coordination that made the rescue possible.

“This kind of teamwork is what makes operations like this possible. Every rescued child is a life saved,” he said.

The NBI urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity involving children to authorities.