In a series of coordinated operations from 2 to 4 February 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued four infants and two minor children from traffickers and abusers, while arresting seven suspects across Luzon and Mindanao.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operations send a clear warning that the police will relentlessly pursue anyone who exploits children.
“Ang bawat bata ay karapatan nating protektahan. These operations are proof that we are relentless in our duty to safeguard our children. Sa bawat kriminal na nahuhuli natin, ipinapakita natin na hindi makakalusot ang sinumang gagawa ng masama sa ating kabataan,” Nartatez said.
On 2 February 2026, personnel from the Luzon Field Unit, in coordination with the San Jose del Monte City Police Station and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, conducted an entrapment operation at a fast-food chain in Star Mall, Bulacan. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of a 12-day-old female infant. Cases were filed for violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended, and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
The following day, 3 February 2026, the Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit, together with the Dapitan City Police Station, CSWDO-Dapitan, the Department of Justice–NCC OSAEC/CSAEM, and the International Justice Mission, carried out a rescue operation in Polo, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. The operation resulted in the arrest of a male suspect and the rescue of two male minors—one allegedly offered online and another child considered at risk. Digital forensic examination also uncovered illegal child sexual abuse materials, strengthening the case against the suspect.
On 4 February 2026, Luzon Field Unit personnel conducted separate operations in Angeles City, Pampanga, and Baliwag City, Bulacan. In Angeles City, a two-day-old male infant was rescued and a suspect arrested. Later that evening in Baliwag City, three suspects were apprehended and a three-month-old female infant rescued during an entrapment operation at a fast-food chain. Cases were filed for violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Nartatez reiterated the PNP’s message to offenders: “Ang mga ganitong gawain ay hindi lang labag sa batas kundi laban din sa moralidad at sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan. We are watching, we are ready, and we will act. Sa mga mamamayan, huwag kayong mangamba, ngunit maging mapagmatyag. Your vigilance can help us save lives.”
He added that the PNP remains committed to protecting every Filipino, especially children, and urged the public to immediately report suspicious activities, stressing that the recent operations underscore the police force’s resolve to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable under its thrust of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.