Iligan court declares woman guilty of online sex exploitation

A COURT in Iligan City has found a woman guilty of online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

A statement issued by the National Coordination Center against OSAEC and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) yesterday said the 32-year-old woman identified only as ZZZ was convicted of violating multiple charges of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009.

The June 27 ruling of Iligan City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 Presiding Judge Mylene Amerol-Macumba also convicted the woman for violation of 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The NCC-CSAEM said ZZZ was arrested in 2019 after law enforcement agencies discovered her offering children to foreigners for sexual purposes via online platforms.

The prosecution panel led by ACP Jasmin C. Guiuo-Diaz of the Iligan City Prosecutor’s Office and a member of the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force, Region X (RATT-X) prosecuted the case “using digital evidence and video-in-depth interviews to safeguard the victims.”

“The case underscores the critical role of financial intermediaries in tracing transactions that build robust cases against perpetrators. The court’s decision highlights the importance of comprehensive investigative and prosecutorial strategies in holding offenders accountable and securing justice for victim-survivors,” it added.

The NCC-CSEAM and the Department of Justice have yet to provide a copy of the court ruling to the media.

The government agency did not specify the total years of jail time and penalty slapped on ZZZ.

Violators of RA 9775 can be meted a penalty of from 12 to 20 years of imprisonment, with a fine of not less than P1 million pesos and not more P2 million.

Courts can impose a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine ranging from P1 million to P2 million for violators of RA 9208.