PRESS RELEASE: Landmark Conviction in Iligan City: A Major Victory in the Fight Against Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Iligan City, Philippines – June 27, 2024: In a landmark ruling, a 32-year-old female resident of Iligan City, identified as ZZZ, was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt on multiple charges for violations of RA 7610, RA 9775, and RA 9208. This conviction marks a significant milestone in the fight against online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) in Region X and the entire country.

ZZZ was arrested in 2019 after law enforcement agencies discovered her involvement in offering children to foreign perpetrators for sexual purposes via online platforms. The prosecution, led by ACP Jasmin C. Guiuo-Diaz of the City Prosecutor's Office in Iligan City and a member of the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force, Region X (RATT-X), achieved a groundbreaking success by protecting the child victims from court appearances. Instead, the prosecution maximized using digital evidence and video-in-depth interviews (VIDIs) to safeguard the victims.

The case underscores the critical role of financial intermediaries in tracing transactions that build robust cases against perpetrators. The court's decision highlights the importance of comprehensive investigative and prosecutorial strategies in holding offenders accountable and securing justice for victim-survivors.
Acting Presiding Judge Mylene Amerol-Macumbal of Branch 2, Regional Trial Court of Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, sentenced ZZZ under the following laws:

● RA 9775 Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, Section 4(C) in relation to RA 10175 Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 - Child Pornography
● RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, Section 4(A), as amended by RA 10364 Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 - Trafficking in Persons
● RA 7610 Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, Section 10(A), in relation to RA 10175 Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 - Other Acts of Abuse

RATTF X Head, RP Merlynn B. Uy, stated, “The decision of this case highlights the importance of proper case build-up in OSAEC cases. It is crucial that prosecutors, law enforcers, and social workers collaborate actively to prosecute these kinds of cases successfully. Most importantly, this case proves we can effectively use the VIDI mechanism as a child protection strategy, which the RATTF X actively advocates for.”

This landmark conviction demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to combating OSAEC and prioritizing child protection through trauma-informed tools like VIDIs. By delivering strong penalties to perpetrators, this case sends a clear message that the Philippines is committed to a united front in fighting heinous crimes against vulnerable members of society. With continued efforts, the country aims to shift from being a critical area for OSAEC cases to a global leader in combating this crime.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla commended the prosecutors who handled the case for successfully securing the court’s conviction.

“Together, let us help one another to protect and defend the rights of the innocent. And for those who cleverly try to use technology to their advantage in abusing the weak by using online platforms to proliferate their criminal acts and exploit the purity of our children, let this be a final warning to you. This government will never waver in its commitment to pursuing those who sexually exploit and abuse the most vulnerable sectors of society.” Sec. Remulla pointed out.

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