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Five children brought to safety from alleged livestreamed abuse

June 2025

Five children in the Philippines, aged between four and 13 years old, have just been brought to safety from alleged online sexual abuse.

Their mother, her husband and another male relative have been arrested. An initial examination of the woman's seized mobile phone allegedly yielded child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

The arrests followed a search by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in cooperation with social workers, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, IJM and the Philippine National Police.

The operation was conducted following a tip from Belgian authorities about a mother allegedly sexually exploiting children for money in the Philippines.

“This kind of operation, this is international,” said Lawyer Arcelito Albao, director of the NBI Mindanao Regional Office

Their mother was allegedly caught in the act of offering her 11-year-old daughter for online sexual abuse in exchange for money.

“As Chief of the Human Trafficking Division, I recognize that the victims rescued in this recent operation were not only exploited but abandoned by the very systems meant to protect them - their family,” said Atty. Olga Angustia-Gonzales.

“Let this rescue serve as a message: To traffickers, know that we will find you. And to the children we fight for, we promise that you will never be forgotten or forsaken, you are not merely figures or numbers.”

Based on money transfer receipts found by NBI agents, the cost of viewing the child abuse online ranged from P16,000 to P125,000 – roughly the equivalent of £200 to £1600.

“It depends on the client, and upon the consent of the three parents,” said Albao,

According to NBI Agent Vicente Essex Minguez, the abuse was, “available anytime of the day as long as there is a client.”

Thankfully the children are now safe in the custody of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Online sexual abuse of children poses a significant threat to Filipino children—and to the future of our country,” said Atty. Samson Inocencio Jr., national director of IJM Philippines.

“Every Filipino—every member of the community—must get involved. Let’s all look out for the children in our communities and act quickly when we become aware of abuse. Reporting this crime matters.”

Learn more about IJM’s work to protect children from online sexual exploitation >

*Image of an actor

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