Iligan court convicts 2 for child cyberporn

MANILA, Philippines — Two persons have been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Iligan City regional trial court for online sexual exploitation of children.

Identified only as Victor and Danielle due to their relationship to the victims, the two  pleaded guilty to violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Law.

Victor also pleaded guilty to violating of RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act.

The sentence was handed down last Aug. 3.

The Internal Justice Mission (IJM) said it was the fastest resolution of a cyberporn case, which was only 37 days after the perpetrators were arrested.

Another case filed in Cebu City last year was resolved after 89 days.

“Not only were the offenders brought to accountability at a faster pace... We also spared the children from having to testify against their relatives, protecting them not only from continued physical abuse but also from further trauma,” Ralph Catedral, IJM senior legal counsel, said.

Personnel of the IJM and the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center rescued the victims, aged between eight months to 14, on June 27.

The IJM said the victims are receiving trauma-informed care in shelter houses.