Police rescue 16-year-old from online exploitation
INARESTO ng PNP ang isang Korean national na most wanted sa kasong rape sa NAIA.
DAILY TRIBUNE images.
Daily TribuneINARESTO ng PNP ang isang Korean national na most wanted sa kasong rape sa NAIA.
DAILY TRIBUNE images.
Operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued a 16-year-old girl from online sexual abuse and exploitation in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, underscoring law enforcers’ intensified efforts to protect children in the digital space.
Police said the rescue was carried out on 19 January 2026, by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) through its Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10, acting on a verified report involving online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC).
The minor, identified by the alias “Therese,” was rescued in close coordination with the Department of Justice–Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force 10 and the Misamis Oriental Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift and coordinated action of the operating units, stressing that the protection of children remains a top priority of the organization.
“This rescue reminds us that crimes against children often happen quietly and online, but the harm is very real,” Nartatez said. “Hindi natin hahayaan na masira ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan. The PNP will continue to act fast and decisively to protect them and to hold offenders accountable,” he added.
Following the operation, the rescued minor was immediately turned over to the Misamis Oriental MSWDO for proper care, intervention and assessment.
Authorities have launched a deeper investigation to identify and locate the individuals behind the abuse, with the filing of appropriate criminal charges underway.
Nartatez also urged parents, guardians and the public to remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring children’s online activities.
“Sa mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, maging mapagmatyag tayo sa online activities ng ating mga anak. Sa mga gumagawa ng ganitong krimen, malinaw ang babala: hahabulin kayo ng batas,” he said. “The internet is not a hiding place for those who exploit children.”
The PNP encouraged the public to immediately report suspected cases of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children through official police channels, stressing that timely reporting can prevent further harm and save lives.