The City Government vows relentless fight vs. child exploitation; 50 victims rescued since 2022,
Mayor Lani Cayetano said, Seven minors were rescued in an entrapment operation against trafficking in person and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Barangay Calzada-Tipas on Tuesday night, with the City of Taguig providing immediate support and protection for the victim-survivors.
The operation, conducted at around 9:20 p.m. on September 3, was led by the Philippine National Police National Headquarters together with the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)-Taguig.
Local social workers from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) were present at the scene to secure the safety of the rescued minors. They acted as temporary guardians, facilitated medico-legal examinations and medical checkups, and provided urgent psychosocial intervention. The City of Taguig has also coordinated with a child-caring facility where the victims will be transferred for long-term rehabilitation after inquest proceedings.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims’ mother had been recording lewd videos of her children and selling them online to foreign clients for P2,500 per transaction.
She was reportedly assisted by her 19-year-old daughter, who also forced her own 3-year-old child the suspect’s grandchild—into exploitation.
The two suspects were arrested during the operation and are now detained.
They face multiple charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Mayor Lani Cayetano condemned the crime in strongest terms, vowing that Taguig will remain relentless in the fight against abuse:
“Walang puwang sa ating lungsod ang mga ganitong uri ng pang-aabuso. Hindi natin hahayaang may bata na alipustain, lalo na sa kamay ng mga taong dapat sana’y nagmamahal at nag-aalaga sa kanila. Sa Taguig, buo ang ating paninindigan—ang mga bata ay laging ligtas at laging may kinabukasan.”
Since Mayor Lani’s return to office in June 2022, Taguig has actively monitored and assisted in rescue operations targeting online sexual abuse or exploitation of children. The CSWDO has participated in 18 rescue operations, helping save 50 victim-survivors from June 2022 to the present.
Taguig social workers will continue to accompany the minors in court hearings and provide sustained psychosocial support as part of the city’s long-term intervention.
