The Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued 23 children and arrested six suspects during a nationwide crackdown on Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Materials, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Saturday.

The operations, conducted by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, covered Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Davao del Sur and Misamis Occidental.

Authorities also seized mobile phones, computers, storage devices and other digital evidence believed to be linked to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.

The operations stemmed from domestic and international intelligence referrals and were carried out with local police units, the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center, barangay officials, foreign law enforcement agencies and child protection organizations.

Among those rescued were infants, toddlers and minors allegedly exploited by people entrusted with their care, including parents and close relatives, who reportedly produced and distributed child sexual abuse materials in exchange for money from foreign offenders.

The suspects face charges under Republic Act 11930 and other applicable laws. In one case, authorities will also file charges for qualified trafficking in persons under Republic Act 9208, as amended.

All rescued children were turned over to social welfare authorities for medical care, psychosocial intervention, protective custody and rehabilitation.

“The rescue of these children demonstrates our unwavering resolve to protect every Filipino child from exploitation and abuse. We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on the innocent and ensure that every offender is brought before the courts,” Nartatez said.