The Taguig City government on Monday announced the rescue of four minors who were victims of online sexual abuse.
Combined elements from the Philippine National Police and the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office saved the minors during an operation in Barangay Upper Bicutan.
But the perpetrator, whom the minors only met on social media, managed to escape and now the subject of a police manhunt.
The minors were accompanied by social workers to Camp Crame in Quezon City for their physical and medico-legal examination. They are also set to undergo counseling and psychosocial intervention.
The rescue operation came less than a month after the local government and the National Bureau of Investigation rescued another 12 minors in three separate operations.
Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano promised to continue to protect children, who she said deserve all love, respect, and guidance from adults.
“Our children look up to us, and it is incumbent on us to continue to live up to and even exceed those expectations as adults who love and care for them,” she said.
The city chief executive reiterated that deplorable acts have absolutely no room in any society.
“Rest assured that we will continue to exert every effort to keep the City safe for our children. They will grow and live up to their potential, not just as Taguigeños who give pride and glory to the City, but as human beings who love and care deeply for others,” she said.
Cayetano urged her constituents to help the city government in its fight against child abuse, trafficking and explotation, saying her administration will not stop until those who engage in these activities are held accountable.