Philippine National Police Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil had announced on December 15, 2024 that a total of 636 victims of child exploitation, including a 4-month-old baby being sold on the dark web, had been rescued since 2022. These operations, aimed at dismantling illegal networks targeting vulnerable children, reflect the PNP’s firm commitment to the ongoing fight against child exploitation as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“PNP stands firm in its fight against all forms of child exploitation. These 636 rescued victims represent lives saved and futures restored. Every rescue mission is a step closer to justice and a safer environment for our children,” said Gen. Marbil.
One of the most disturbing cases involved the rescue of a 4-month-old baby, facilitated by the infant’s own mother and aunt, who were apprehended for selling the child in their residence in Taguig City. The operation was carried out by the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), led by PBGen. Portia Manalad.
Gen. Marbil had highlighted that these operations stem from efforts launched after the enactment of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) law, two years ago. Of the victims rescued, 375 are girls and 121 are boys, all aged 17 and under. Some of those rescued were already adults.
Since 2022, PNP had conducted 307 operations targeting OSAEC-related crimes, with 145 operations carried out just this year. These efforts had led to the arrest of 167 suspects, the filing of 218 cases, and 12 convictions to date.
Gen. Marbil commended the efforts of the WCPC, which had been at the forefront of rescue operations and case build-up efforts; and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which had intensified online entrapment operations to track down and arrest offenders exploiting children through digital platforms.
The PNP Chief also emphasized the growing role of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in boosting investigative efforts. “AI-powered tools are transforming the way we solve crimes and rescue victims, especially in cases involving the dark web. These technologies enable us to analyze vast amounts of data, identify suspects with greater precision, and swiftly respond to emerging threats,” Gen. Marbil had explained.
He had cited how AI-assisted investigations have led to quicker identification of perpetrators, resulting in timely rescues and successful prosecutions.
The top cop calls on the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspected cases of child exploitation. “We urge every Filipino to take part in this fight. Protecting our children is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can ensure their safety and well-being,” he said.
Under Gen. Marbil’s leadership, PNP continues to strengthen its partnerships with local and international organizations, disrupt trafficking networks, and leverage advanced technologies to deliver justice and protect the nation’s children.
