Taguig steps up fight vs. child abuse

By Joel E. Zurbano

TAGUIG City Mayor Laarni Cayetano on Wednesday urged here constituents help in the fight against child abuse, trafficking and exploitation, saying her administration will not stop until those engaged in these crimes were held accountable.

Cayetano made the call following the rescue of 12 victims of child trafficking and online sexual abuse, including a fivemonth old baby, in three recent police operations in the city.

The latest operation happened on May 25 when authorities rescued the baby and three other children aged three, 13 and 14 years old. Authorities arrested the mother of the four children. According to Taguig’s City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO), which assisted the National Bureau of Investigation in the rescue operation, the mother is now under NBI custody and is facing charges for violation of the AntiOnline Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children law, the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Law, and Trafficking. On May 10, a composite team from CSWDO Taguig and Philippine National Police - Children Protection Center based in Camp Crame saved another four minors - one female and three males.