The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a 19-year-old man in Pampanga on June 30 for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
The arrest was carried out by the NBI’s Violence Against Women and Children Division following a referral from the Department of Justice–Office of Cybercrime involving reports that the suspect allegedly enticed a minor online to produce child sexual abuse materials.
According to the NBI, the suspect allegedly used the online gaming platform Roblox to befriend children and offered Robux, the game’s virtual currency, in exchange for sexually exploitative images and videos.
The investigation also linked the suspect to multiple CyberTipline Reports involving the online enticement of children and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials through various online accounts.
Authorities said a previous complaint filed by the mother of a 10-year-old victim alleged that the suspect manipulated the child into creating and sending explicit videos before subjecting her to coercion.
Acting on a court-issued Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data, NBI agents confiscated the suspect’s mobile device, where a forensic examination reportedly uncovered numerous child sexual abuse or exploitation materials. Investigators also found that the suspect was allegedly communicating with another 12-year-old child in an attempt to entice the victim into performing sexual acts.
The suspect underwent inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Pampanga on July 1 for the filing of appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 11930.
The NBI said it is continuing its investigation to identify and rescue other possible victims connected to the suspect’s activities and urged the public to immediately report suspected cases of online child sexual exploitation to the nearest NBI office.
