The Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued 41 victims and arrested 11 people in a monthlong nationwide crackdown on online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday that police conducted 13 operations from 14 July to 14 August in Nueva Ecija, Cebu, Davao del Sur, Pampanga, Negros Occidental, Misamis Occidental, Metro Manila, Tarlac, Rizal and Zamboanga City.

Those rescued included minors and adults.

The operations involved rescue and entrapment procedures, as well as warrants to search, seize and examine computer data and warrants of arrest when applicable.

“When a child is in danger, we cannot afford to wait. We will act on information, protect the victim, and pursue the case through the proper process,” Nartatez said.

The operations were supported by the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), which coordinates intelligence and operations among law enforcement agencies and other partners.

From 2019 through 15 August 2026, PICACC recorded 707 OSAEC referrals, 364 operations, 202 arrests, 64 local convictions and 944 rescued victims.

Operations handled by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center through PICACC accounted for 151 operations, 126 arrests, 56 convictions and 583 rescued victims.

The PNP said it is strengthening financial investigations, digital operations and technology-based monitoring while working with government agencies, technology companies, foreign law enforcement authorities, Interpol and the Bureau of Immigration.

Nartatez also urged parents and the public to report suspicious online activity involving children.

“If you notice something suspicious online or believe a child may be at risk, please report it,” he said.

Separately, the WCPC reported recent operations involving alleged human trafficking and other crimes against women and children.

On 11 August, authorities arrested three people and rescued eight adults in Zamboanga after foiling an alleged trafficking operation involving victims recruited online and promised jobs. Police said the victims were allegedly being prepared for unauthorized entry into Malaysia.

Other operations included an arrest in Antipolo involving alleged sexual exploitation, an alleged illegal adoption or “baby selling” case in Tarlac on 13 August, and an arrest in Danao City, Cebu, on 14 August for alleged violations of child protection laws and acts of lasciviousness.