Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives rescued 41 victims and arrested 11 individuals during 13 operations nationwide from 14 July to 14 August as part of intensified efforts against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, officials said Tuesday.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that the monthlong crackdown spanned Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, including operations in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Rizal, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga City and Davao del Sur. The rescued victims included both minors and adults.

Police combined rescue and entrapment procedures with court warrants to search, seize and examine computer data, alongside arrest warrants, to build cases while prioritizing victim safety.

“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. “When a child needs help, they should feel that the PNP is ready to respond.”

The Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center supported the operations, strengthening intelligence sharing and law enforcement coordination against online child exploitation.

From its establishment in 2019 through 15 August, the center recorded 707 referrals, leading to 364 operations, 202 arrests, 64 local convictions and 944 rescued victims.

Operations conducted through the PNP Women and Children Protection Center accounted for 401 of those referrals, resulting in 151 operations, 126 arrests, 56 convictions and 583 rescues.

International law enforcement cooperation through the center has also yielded 27 convictions involving foreign nationals.

Police officials urged the public and parents to report suspicious online activity or potential threats to children.

“To our parents and fellow Filipinos, the WCPC is here to help,” Nartatez said. “If you notice something suspicious online or believe a child may be at risk, please report it. Do not keep the concern to yourself. Let the PNP help assess the situation and take the appropriate action.”

The protection center also detailed several recent non-online enforcement actions. On 11 August, authorities arrested three people and rescued eight adults in Zamboanga City, foiling an alleged human trafficking scheme that recruited victims online with job promises for backdoor entry into Malaysia.