9-year-old rescued from online grooming

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has rescued a nine-year-old girl allegedly being groomed online by a man in his 30s who used Facebook Messenger to communicate with her for six months.

According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the case surfaced after the child’s mother reported the alleged abuse, prompting the NBI’s Human Trafficking Division to obtain and implement a court-issued warrant to search, seize and examine computer data in Bulacan.

Matibag said investigators found explicit communications between the suspect and the child, including images of the girl’s private parts that were allegedly sent to the man. 

Investigators also learned that the two had met in person several times.

The suspect was arrested and faces a complaint for violating Section 4(a) of Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

The seized electronic devices have been submitted for forensic examination, while prosecutors have conducted inquest proceedings.

Matibag said the case showed how online contact could be used to manipulate a child, noting that the girl became scared when the suspect threatened to block her. Investigators are looking into whether additional charges may be filed.

“This can also be considered grooming because the suspect took advantage of the child’s young age,” Matibag said, describing the online exchanges as alarming.

He urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and know who they are communicating with through their devices.