By Brian Campued
A total of 636 victims of child exploitation, including a 4-month-old baby, have been rescued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) since 2022, according to PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
In a news release Sunday, Marbil said the operations conducted by the PNP are in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat all forms of child exploitation.
“These 636 rescued victims represent lives saved and futures restored. Every rescue mission is a step closer to justice and a safer environment for our children,” the PNP chief said.
According to the PNP, 375 out of the 636 rescued minors were girls, 121 were boys, and some were already of adult age.
The infant was rescued by the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) from its mother and aunt, who attempted to sell the baby in Taguig City.
Since 2022, the PNP has conducted 307 operations against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), resulting in 167 arrests and 12 convictions to date.
Some 218 cases were filed.
Meanwhile, Marbil highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in targeting offenders, leading to quicker rescues and successful prosecutions.
“AI-powered tools are transforming the way we solve crimes and rescue victims, especially in cases involving the dark web. These technologies enable us to analyze vast amounts of data, identify suspects with greater precision, and swiftly respond to emerging threats,” the top cop noted.
During the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting for 2024 at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Dec. 12, the President instructed the PNP to intensify child protection efforts among other key law enforcement and public safety initiatives.
Marcos also issued Executive Order 79 on Dec. 8, establishing the Mahalin at Kalingain ating mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program and institutionalizing the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 to ensure child protection against all forms of abuse.
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