Cebu couple arrested for drawing kids to cybersex

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Cebu-based couple for trafficking in children – including their 13-year-old daughter – online.

The couple used children in their community in Barangay Ibabao of Cebu’s Cordova town to pose nude and shoot “lewd videos for their online customers” for fees ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 per session, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) statement released on Tuesday, June 4.

The arrest happened on Sunday, May 26. It was a joint effort between the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (US ICE), the Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking (IACAT), and the NBI Anti-Human-Trafficking-Division.

They were charged with multiple violations of Republic Act 9975 (Anti-Child Pornography Act) and RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003). These violations carry penalties of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P2 million to P5 million.

The US ICE gave DOJ the tip after it arrested an American viewing nude minors online. The law mandates that names of the suspects are kept confidential. It is a provision that has been questioned by anti-trafficking advocates.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken custody of the couple’s daughter and two other children aged 14 and 17.  

IACAT officer-in-charge Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar lauded the successful operation, but said a lot more has to be done.

“Our collaborations, both locally and internationally, are key to this mission. We need to strengthen our commitment as the situation has serious impact on the way we view family and morality,” Salazar said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the agency will make sure that the offenders will be punished. “This victory against human trafficking should serve as a warning to all cybersex den operators all over the country. We’ll make sure the offenders get punished.” De Lima said.

The DOJ disclosed that cybersex operations have been prevalent in the Visayas, particularly in Cordova, for several years, with parents selling their own children online. – Rappler.com

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