Aussie, Pinoy held for online child trafficking

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , Philippines — An Australian and a Filipino alleged to be involved in online child sexual exploitation were arrested in Barangay Canitoan in this city on Thursday.

Matthew Aaron Clement, 42, and tattoo artist Julius Mandawe, 29, were accused of posting online videos of them having sex with children, Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, regional police spokesman, said.

The operation was launched by agents of the Anti-Cybercrime Group, local police officers and social workers. Two of the victims were rescued.

Hortillosa said sex toys, cell phones, sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia were recovered at the scene.

Police said the suspects had been under surveillance for a month.