CONCEPCION, Tarlac — Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in coordination with international counterparts, have arrested a woman in Tarlac for allegedly sexually exploiting her two minor daughters through online platforms for foreign clients.
The operation was conducted last week by members of the NBI Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD).
According to authorities, the investigation began following a referral from the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations.
NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari stated that the tip indicated the suspect was using messaging applications, specifically WhatsApp, to advertise her children to clients in the United States and other foreign countries.
“It has been proven that these minors are actually offering online sexual activity or performing lewd acts in exchange for some money that will be sent via digital wallet in the Philippines,” Mallari said.
Following the initial tip, the VAWCD conducted identity verification and surveillance. They confirmed the suspect’s identity and gathered digital evidence, leading to an entrapment and rescue operation at the suspect’s residence.
During the raid, NBI agents caught the mother in the act of facilitating a livestreamed sexual event involving her two daughters, aged 9 and 3.
Agents seized mobile devices at the scene, which they confirmed contained evidence of communications with foreign clients, chat logs, and financial transaction records confirming payments received through digital wallets in the Philippines.
The two minor victims were immediately rescued and placed under the protective custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for medical examinations, psychosocial intervention, and appropriate aftercare.
The suspect is now facing multiple charges before the Tarlac provincial prosecutor, including violations of
RA 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act) and RA 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act).
Mallari added that the bureau is also investigating the possible involvement of the suspect’s husband, noting that he was present at the residence during the entrapment operation.
