4 online child sex abuse victims rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Four minors believed to be victims of online sexual exploitation were rescued in Taguig City on Thursday.

The victims, aged six to 17, were rescued during an entrapment set by police officers from the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) in Barangay Palingon-Tipas at around 3 p.m.

Col. Maria Sheila Portento , who heads the WCPC anti-trafficking in persons division, said a relative of the minors who transacted with an undercover police officer was arrested.

“The children are now in the custody of agencies providing trauma and recovery interventions,” Portento said in a statement.

The suspect is facing charges of sex trafficking and violation of the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

Portento said the victims were forced to do sexual acts as pedophiles, who each paid P4,000, watched online.