Bacoor city: The National Bureau of Investigation - Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) on Friday announced the rescue of a minor-aged victim of online sexual exploitation in Bacoor City, Cavite. This operation followed information provided by the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to Philippines News Agency, the FBI referred a foreign national to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center, allegedly involved in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The individual was also accused of possessing, manufacturing, and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. It was revealed that the foreign national had been grooming the victim for sexual exploitation, and the victim faced repeated online exploitation.

NBI-HTRAD, in collaboration with the NBI- Cavite North District Office, conducted surveillance to determine the victim's physical location and identity. A joint operation was executed on September 16, resulting in the rescue of the minor, who was then placed under the protective custody of the City Social Welfare and Development-Cavite.

Charges are set to be filed against the perpetrators for violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 11930, in relation to Sec. 4(c)(2) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012) and further amended by RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022); and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).