4 minors rescued from human trafficking in Naga

FOUR minors were successfully rescued by the Women and Children Protection Center–Visayas Field Unit (WCPC-VFU) during the serving of a search warrant at the home of a 33-year-old woman in one of the barangays in the City of Naga, Cebu, around 11 Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The rescued individuals include three female minors aged 15, 14, and 6, and one 15-year-old male child at risk, who is now in the custody of the WCPC in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Visayas.

The WCPC implemented a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) and conducted a rescue operation authorized by Judge Benison Mahawan, acting presiding judge of Regional Trial Court 7, Branch 65 in Talisay City, against the 33-year-old woman for violations of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Joining the operation were personnel from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7, forensic examiners, the Department of Justice, and DSWD.

Authorities recovered five mobile phones allegedly used by the suspect to film videos of the victims in the nude.

Police personnel have not provided further details to protect the identities of the four minors and their families.

However, they said that the complaint and initial discovery of the suspect’s illegal activities came from a foreign law enforcement agency.

This agency provided all information regarding the location of the crime, the identity of the suspect, and submitted pieces of evidence, including photos and money transfer records.

Following receipt of the tip-off, local authorities conducted a validation process and applied for the search warrant.

The four rescued children are now undergoing intervention through stress debriefing by DSWD 7, as they are still traumatized by the incident.

Police continue to monitor online sexual abuse and exploitation across Central Visayas in coordination with their international counterparts. (AYB)