By John Rey Saavedra
CEBU CITY – A woman was arrested in a joint entrapment operation for allegedly subjecting her children to human trafficking using the internet, a police official said Monday.
Col. Lemel Gonda, chief of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Central Visayas, said the suspect’s 15-year-old child and another minor were rescued during the operation in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City on Feb. 13.
Gonda said they assisted the Women and Children Protection Center-Visayas Field Unit by conducting an on-site cyber forensic examination on the seized gadgets to bolster the case against the suspect.
“The two minors are now undergoing psychosocial sessions with the social workers,” he told the Philippine News Agency.
Police said the probe started in July 2023 when the undercover officer found out that the suspect was offering illicit services involving her children through online platforms, leading to an immediate rescue operation of her 15-year-old daughter. The suspect was also arrested.
During the operation, another minor believed to be another victim of the suspect’s illicit operation was also rescued.
Police also found some pieces of evidence in a cellular phone seized from the suspect.
The suspect is facing violation of Republic Act No. 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
“This case highlights the importance of online surveillance and undercover work in protecting vulnerable individuals and we remain committed to dismantling human trafficking operations at every level,” said Police Regional Office-7 director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan. (PNA)
