Crime & Justice

14 children rescued from alleged sexual abuse in Philippines

Sydney, Australia, May 17 (EFE).- Fourteen minors between the ages of two and 17 have been rescued in the Philippines from alleged child sexual abuse following a joint investigation, the Australian Federal Police reported on Monday.

The rescue operation of six girls and eight boys coordinated between the Australian and Philippine authorities was carried out on May 7.

It also resulted in the arrests of three women and a man in the town of Bombon, Camarines Sur, about 390 kilometers southeast of Manila, for allegedly facilitating the abuse of minors online.

The operation stemmed from the March arrest in Australia of a then-68-year-old man from Victoria, who then engaged Philippines authorities.

“A computer seized from the man contained child abuse material and records of online chat conversations allegedly facilitating ‘pay-per-view’ child abuse content in the Philippines, police have alleged in court in Victoria,” the statement said.

“Among the evidence seized by Philippines authorities last week were digital devices containing several child sexual exploitation materials; a sex toy; and several money transfer receipts showing foreigners as senders,” the AFP said.

The children have been placed in the care of a local social welfare office.

Philippine authorities, often with international help, have since February 2019 rescued 368 minors in 119 operations against child sexual abuse, which have resulted in 88 people being charged and 13 convictions, the statement added. EFE

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