The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a male suspect in Hagonoy, Bulacan on 25 November for violating Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Act.

According to the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD), a minor female complainant, accompanied by her mother, reported that an unidentified individual had been threatening her to produce and send Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Materials (CSEAM).

NBI-HTRAD agents immediately launched an investigation, which identified the suspect as a relative of the complainant. They also secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) for the suspect’s premises, which was later granted by the court.

On 25 November, NBI-HTRAD agents, supported by the NBI-Digital Forensic Laboratory (NBI-DFL), the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the MSWDO of Hagonoy City, and a non-governmental organization, conducted an entrapment operation to apprehend the suspect and enforce the warrant.

The operation resulted in the seizure of three mobile phones, which were examined on-site by forensic experts. Investigators discovered the suspect’s Facebook account, positively identified by the victim, along with incriminating chat messages, twelve pieces of child sexual exploitation material, evidence of sextortion, and indications of group activities related to pedophilia.

OIC Director Magno emphasized that the NBI remains committed to protecting minors and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable young individuals. He reiterated that the agency will continue to uphold its mandate to safeguard the public and ensure that perpetrators of online sexual exploitation are brought to justice.