Tarlac: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed multiple criminal cases against a teacher for child sexual abuse and exploitation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ announced that charges involving the violation of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Lascivious Conduct under Republic Act Nos. 11930 and 7610, respectively, Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009), in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, and the Revised Penal Code have been filed against Leoncio Benigno Thiem Tolentino in the Tarlac Regional Trial Court.

Tolentino was identified as a suspect following a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that investigates incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The referral was sent to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), enabling authorities to gather critical information about Tolentino's activities, which facilitated his arrest.

The DOJ revealed that the victims were 13 years old and six years old at the time of the incidents. Tolentino, being an educator, allegedly exploited his position of authority to manipulate and exploit the victims.

The panel of prosecutors from the DOJ, led by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and Prosecution Attorney Criselda Teoxon-Yanga, under the supervision of Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, determined that there is substantial prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction to indict the suspect.

"This is a testament to the DOJ's unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, especially in cases involving the most vulnerable members of our society," stated Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.