Mothers accounted for 70 percent of suspects arrested for allegedly facilitating the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) from January to August this year, the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) said Monday.

PNP-WCPC chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento said data from the center showed that 14 of the 20 suspects arrested in OSAEC cases during the period were mothers.

The figure was higher than in 2025, when 32 of 50 suspects arrested, or 64 percent, were mothers.

“Nakakalungkot lang isipin na supposedly, mothers are the first line of defense of protection ng security ng mga bata pero dito sa kasong ito, sila 'yung mga nagiging bugaw, sila 'yung mga nagiging offenders,” Portento said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Portento also expressed concern over the age of those allegedly facilitating the abuse, saying some of the youngest suspects arrested were between 23 and 35 years old.

She identified poverty as one of the factors contributing to OSAEC but stressed that it was not the sole cause.

Portento also pointed to widespread internet connectivity, accessible payment channels and Filipinos’ English proficiency as factors that can make it easier for foreign perpetrators to communicate with local facilitators and victims.

“It's actually our second tongue. Dito sa atin, at a young age, a Filipino child can actually converse with an English speaking person so hindi natin problema 'yung communication and then of course hindi din natin maisasantabi 'yung poverty. 'Yun ang nagiging hanapbuhay nila,” she said.