Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children: Arrests in Tarlac
Authorities arrested a woman and her sister on suspicion of engaging in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Concepcion, Tarlac. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) led the operation, which resulted in the rescue of 10 children. These victims, aged between three months and 16 years, were immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago presented the two sisters to the media after they were apprehended by the Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD) during a search warrant operation. The rescued children included seven boys and three girls, highlighting the severity of the crime in the local community.
Protecting Children from Online Sexual Abuse
Director Santiago urged parents to remain vigilant and protect their children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. He emphasized, “Exploitation of children is not a solution to poverty,” underscoring the need for communities to stand against such crimes.
NBI-VAWCD Chief Yehlen C. Agus revealed that the recent June 10 operation was part of a follow-up on a previous arrest made on April 2. This earlier arrest involved a Swedish national, Heinz Henry Andreas Berglund, who was detained in Angeles City, Pampanga, based on an international warrant for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in 2021.
Connection to International Exploitation Ring
Investigations uncovered that Berglund had been financially compensating the two sisters for producing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. Payments ranged from P200 to P4,000. Agus explained that Berglund traveled to the Philippines specifically to exploit children, with the two Filipino women acting as his accomplices.
Thanks to the NBI’s swift actions, further illegal acts were prevented by apprehending the sisters before more children could be harmed. The operation highlights the ongoing fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines.
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