Marilao: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), working on a tip from American law enforcement agencies, arrested an individual in Marilao, Bulacan for alleged online sexual exploitation of minors.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD) has charged 'Tisay' with violations of Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by RA No. 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022), RA No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), and RA No. 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse law).

The United States Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) referred to the NBI phone numbers involved in OSAEC. The referral was based on the arrest of an American citizen in Springfield, Massachusetts by the US Federal authorities for child exploitation.

Subsequent investigation revealed the Bulacan individual's involvement in offering sexually explicit content involving minors and sending child sexual abuse or exploitation materials to foreigners.

On Aug. 13, NBI-VAWCD agents, with assistance from the HSI, NBI-Digital Forensic Laboratory Division, NBI-Evidential Multimedia Division, and social workers from Marilao Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, proceeded to the address of the suspect to implement the warrant.

Seized during the operation were gadgets used for OSAEC. NBI agents also rescued five minor children, including a niece of the arrested person. The victims were turned over to social workers for appropriate intervention and aftercare services.