Three girls aged 7, 9, and 12 were rescued by the NBI after they were victimized by the dissemination of their private photos and videos.
According to the NBI, they received information from the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) about a person who was distributing indecent photos of minors on a messaging app. They traced the children to a school in Leyte, and they were immediately rescued with the help of the school principal.
The investigation revealed that the children met the suspect online. They sent their nude and sexy photos in exchange for gadgets like cellphones and iPads. Because the children wanted to have such devices, they sent the photos. But the suspect did not give them the gadgets, and instead, even threatened them that he would spread the photos if they did not send them back.
Now, the children are at the DSWD Home for Girls for counseling and protection. Investigations are also ongoing to find the suspect. According to the NBI, the parents are unaware, so they are calling on: monitor their children, especially what they do on cellphones or tablets.
The only replacement for photos? Gadgets that cost almost ₱20,000 to ₱40,000, but the replacement is children's safety and privacy. So be alert and guide your children, especially when using social media.
