Mother arrested for online sexual exploitation of her children in Pampanga

Mabacalat, Pampanga- In line with the directive from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director JUDGE JAIME B. SANTIAGO (Ret.) to curb the rampant online sexual exploitation of children in the country, the NBI-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) arrested an individual in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The subject was arrested for violation of Section 4, paragraph (r) of Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act).

NBI-HTRAD received a referral from the Royal Thai Police, facilitated by the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM, and forwarded through the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center. This referral concerns an individual who is believed to be involved in the production and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The referral stemmed from a previous operation conducted by the Royal Thai Police, which led to the arrest of a British national identified as Benjamin John Wilkinson. The seized cellphone of Wilkinson was examined by the Royal Thai Police, which revealed that Subject sent obscene images of two minor females, who were possibly residing in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

The agents of NBI-HTRAD immediately conducted a series of surveillance operations, which confirmed the identity of the two (2) minor victims, and their current school and address.

Agents of NBI-HTRAD applied for a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data against the premises of the Subject, which was granted by the court in Angeles City, Pampanga. On May 15, 2025, the agents of NBI-HTRAD, with the assistance of NBI-Digital, Forensic Laboratory (NBI-DFL), immediately proceeded to the address of the Subject and lawfully implemented the said warrant. The NBI agents found and seized four (4) smartphones and one (1) laptop from the Subject. NBI-HTRAD and NBI-DFL conducted an onsite live preview of one of the smartphones seized from the Subject and found various CSAEMs contained therein. Thus, the Subject was placed under arrest and was presented for inquest proceedings for the above-stated violations. Meanwhile, the two (2) minor children were turned-over to the social workers of CSWDO Mabalacat City, who facilitated the transfer of the minor children to a non-governmental organization shelter.

Director Santiago lauded the operatives of NBI-HTRAD for their successful arrest of the suspect. He warned that the NBI will remain steadfast in pursuing individuals who sexually exploit minors online.