The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday announced that its Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) rescued 18 minors in three separate operations conducted in Luzon and Mindanao from 18 to 19 February 2026.

The PNP-WCPC said the operations form part of its intensified campaign against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), and Trafficking in Persons (TIP), in line with the organization’s Focused Agenda on enhanced management of police operations.

In Leyte, authorities implemented a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data, leading to the arrest of a Filipina suspect in Abuyog. The operation stemmed from a case referral involving a 50-year-old Norwegian national earlier arrested for possession of child sexual abuse materials. Forensic examination of his mobile device revealed online communications, explicit content, and financial transactions linked to a local contact.

Authorities recovered mobile phones, a tablet, and other non-digital evidence. An on-site forensic examination uncovered explicit video files involving minors. Seven children were rescued and immediately placed under the protective custody of social welfare authorities for psychosocial assessment and care. The search was conducted in the presence of barangay officials and documented using body-worn cameras.

In Cagayan de Oro City, WCPC operatives rescued one female minor following a referral from the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), in coordination with international law enforcement partners. The child was turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for intervention and assistance. A video in-depth disclosure interview is being conducted as part of the case build-up.

Meanwhile, in Tanauan City, Batangas, a joint rescue operation by WCPC units and local police, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, led to the rescue of 10 minors believed to be victims of trafficking. The children are now under protective custody and undergoing documentation and intervention.

PNP Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units and partner agencies for their swift response.

“The protection of our children is non-negotiable. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagprotekta at pagbibigay hustisya para sa mga biktima,” Nartatez said.

“Our priority is always the safety and recovery of the victims. We ensure that rescued children are immediately placed under proper care. At the same time, we build strong cases against perpetrators,” he added.

The PNP chief also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and report suspicious incidents to authorities.