NORTHERN LUZON, Philippines — A man was recently convicted by three courts in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya for trafficking minors and distributing child sexual abuse materials. This case highlights the government’s intensified efforts to combat online sex trafficking and protect vulnerable children.
In May 2023, a vigilant citizen reported Teddy Jay Mejia through a Philippine National Police (PNP) Facebook channel. This tip prompted authorities to launch an immediate investigation, uncovering that Mejia had been coercing minors into sending explicit photos in exchange for money. This case of online sex trafficking shocked many due to its severity and reach.
Details of the Online Sex Trafficking Case
Mejia not only obtained these images but used them as leverage to blackmail the victims into providing more explicit content. He even threatened harm to the victims’ families if they refused to comply. Furthermore, he sold these abusive materials to paying customers, expanding the scope of his crimes.
His criminal acts went beyond online abuse. Reports indicate that Mejia also physically trafficked some victims and subjected them to direct sexual exploitation. Authorities estimate that he victimized over 100 individuals across various regions in the Philippines.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
At the start of the investigation, Mejia was abroad in Dubai. However, law enforcement officers were able to track him down and arrest him, demonstrating their commitment to pursuing perpetrators regardless of their location.
“We have well-trained and dedicated law enforcers committed to tracking down these perpetrators,” said a senior official from the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center. “Anyone who thinks they can evade justice is mistaken. They will find themselves in jail sooner than they expect.”
Mejia faced 11 charges related to human trafficking and 15 charges for violations of laws against online sexual abuse of children and child sexual exploitation materials. These charges were filed before different courts, including branches of the Regional Trial Court in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija.
Conviction and Sentencing
Between February and March 2025, Mejia pleaded guilty to lesser offenses in separate courts. As a result, he was convicted and sentenced to over 400 years in prison. In addition to his prison term, the courts ordered him to pay ₱10 million in fines and damages to the victims.
The courts also convicted some of Mejia’s customers who were found to have participated in exploiting the victims by availing of the illegal services.
A regional prosecutor commented, “The conviction of Teddy Mejia demonstrates the eagerness and determination of the government to combat this monstrous crime of human trafficking and online sex trafficking.”
“With the help of the community and with our unified and determined efforts, online sexual abusers of children have nowhere to hide.”
For more news and updates on online sex trafficking, visit Filipinokami.com.