The decision was made last Feb. 3, 2025. In an earlier decision, on September 24, 2024, another court in Quezon City also ruled that the woman and her husband acted in conspiracy and convicted them both of Qualified Trafficking, sentencing them each to life imprisonment and a P2 million fine.

In a joint statement, Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo P. Yanga and Prosecution Attorney Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga said:

These successful convictions show that the laws on trafficking and OSAEC/CSAEM are effective and are actively enforced. It sends a message to the perpetrators/offenders that the government, particularly the National Prosecution Service, takes these crimes seriously and we will aggressively prosecute those involved.

The case originated from a referral by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), identifying multiple Filipino facilitators involved n online sexual exploitation of children. Among those identified was an individual from Quezon City.

Following the FBI’s referral in February 2023, Philippine authorities, led by the Philippine National Police Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management – Women and Children Protection Center Luzon Field Unit (PNP-DIDM-WCPC-LFU), launched an in-depth investigation.

During the undercover operation from September to November 2023, the suspect offered minor victims—aged 10, 12, and 15—for live-streamed sexual exploitation in exchange for money. She also sent illicit images of a prepubescent female to an undercover officer.

Through intelligence gathering and surveillance, authorities identified the suspect’s location and confirmed her identity. On January 10, 2024, an entrapment operation at the suspect’s residence in Quezon City led to her arrest and the rescue of two child victims. Her partner was also apprehended, and digital evidence of child sexual exploitation was seized.

During post-rescue interviews, the victims revealed that their mother had been taking explicit photos of them and selling them online since 2021. They also disclosed that their father was aware of and complicit in the abuse.

This case underscores the disturbing reality that many OSAEC crimes are facilitated by family members or trusted individuals who exploit children for profit by connecting with remote offenders abroad. Unlike other forms of trafficking, OSAEC often occurs within the victim’s home, making it difficult to detect and requiring proactive law enforcement and community vigilance. In some areas, these crimes are casually referred to as a “show”, masking the true nature of abuse and exploitation.

The trafficking of children to produce child sexual exploitation materials, including livestreamed abuse, remains a widespread crime in the Philippines. IJM’s Scale of Harm prevalence study estimates that nearly half a million Filipino children were victims of this crime in 2022 alone, with nearly a quarter of a million adult Filipinos perpetrating it during the same period.

We urge the public to help break the culture of silence in our communities, said Atty. Samson Inocencio Jr. This conviction was made possible through a foreign referral, highlighting the power of global law enforcement collaboration. However, it is equally crucial for local communities to report crimes. Every report of suspected online sexual exploitation of children is a vital step toward rescuing victims restraining traffickers. Together, we can ensure that no child suffers in silence.

IJM collaborates with authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure survivors receive protection and support. To help strengthen the justice system’s response to OSAEC, IJM also provides training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and social workers.

On September 16, 2024, IJM, in partnership with the Department of Justice - Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, hosted the national summit, “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang OSAEC Ngayon.” The event brought together law enforcement, policymakers, and civil society to strengthen collaboration against OSAEC.

During the summit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s whole-of-nation approach to eradicating OSAEC, emphasizing collective action to protect children. A key milestone was the launch of “Bayang Walang Bahid ng OSAEC,” a national campaign aimed at breaking the culture of silence and encouraging communities to report child exploitation.

Reporting these crimes is a critical step in rescuing victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. Assistant State Prosecutor Yanga and Prosecution Attorney Teoxon-Yanga reinforced this message, stating:

Every successful prosecution of trafficking and OSAEC/CSAEM cases affirms the government’s commitment to protect the victims, especially the minor victims, and ensure that justice is served. Justice is not just for the rich and powerful, it is for everyone. Every person, regardless of their background, deserves fairness and protection. When the public sees that traffickers and OSAEC/CSAEM offenders are being convicted—whether the case is big or not–it builds confidence in the justice system, which is in keeping with the Secretary of Justice’s mandate, we are committed to restoring the people’s trust that justice will be fair, swift, and truly served.