Six minors, including a two-year-old girl, were rescued while two women were arrested during simultaneous operations against alleged online child exploitation in Digos City and Maco, Davao de Oro on July 18.
Regional Prosecutor Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero said the operations were carried out by the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Mindanao Field Unit through the implementation of Warrants of Search, Seizure, and Examination of Computer Data.
“Sa atong July 18, 2026, around 9:48 AM, there was an implementation of the Warrant of Search, Seizure, and Examination of Computer Data conducted by the WCPC Mindanao Field Unit nila,” Fabrero said.
In Digos City, authorities arrested a female suspect who is now undergoing inquest proceedings. Five minors were rescued during the operation—four girls and one boy.
“Ang nadakpan sa Digos City kay isa ka babaye. Ang iyaha namang biktima na na-rescue nila, lima ka minors: upat ka female ug isa ka male. Bale ang child trafficked didto, duha ka female ug isa ka male,” Fabrero told reporters.
In a separate operation in Maco, authorities arrested a 23-year-old female suspect and rescued a two-year-old girl believed to be at risk of online sexual exploitation.
“Kato naman sa Maco babaye gihapon, 23 years old ang suspect. Ma-file-an man, mabalo-an man na karon ang result kay nag-inquest man. Ang biktima, 2-year-old female victim,” Fabrero added.
Fabrero declined to disclose further details about the identities of the rescued children and the specific charges against the suspects, citing the ongoing inquest proceedings.
She also said authorities have handled 13 cases nationwide as part of the government’s campaign against online child exploitation. However, she noted that none of these cases originated from the Davao Region.
Authorities said additional details, including the charges and corresponding penalties to be filed against the suspects, will be released after the inquest proceedings are completed.
