12 rescued from online child trafficking ring

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve children were rescued by police from two suspected members of an online trafficking ring in Taguig on Tuesday.

In a report, Southern Police District (SPD) chief Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the suspects, aged 39 and 33, were arrested during an entrapment operation at Secret Haven Vacation Home in Barangay Hagonoy.

The victims were rescued by personnel of the Taguig police Women and Children Protection Center.

Taguig is considered one of the “hot spots” for online child trafficking, authorities said.

The victims, some of whom were related to the perpetrators, were turned over to local social workers.

“Proper cooperation is needed to protect children from abuse and exploitation. The SPD leadership supports the crackdown on online sexual abuse and child trafficking,” Macaraeg said.

The suspects are being held on charges of violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.