Last 5 March 2025, the Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 37 sentenced Teddy Jay Mejia, a notorious child trafficker, to imprisonment for seven counts of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9208, as amended, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act and violation of R.A. No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
Mejia’s accomplice was also convicted and sentenced for OSAEC and sexual assault-related crimes. The criminals had records of violating the Anti-Child Abuse Law and the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act, preying on the innocent before being relentlessly pursued and brought to justice by authorities.
The successful conviction was the result of coordinated efforts by the Regional Anti-Child Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force II (RACETTF II), Women and Children Protection Center Luzon Field Unit (WCPC-LFU), and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 02 (RACU 02) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). In 2023, these agencies responded to reports of exploitative materials involving minors being sold online. After further verification, it led to an investigation and eventually, the rescue of trafficking victims.
Authorities uncovered that Mejia had exploited over 100 minors, selling explicit photos and videos on Telegram and collecting payments through online wallets like GCash. Their extensive probe also exposed how the trafficker had hidden his empire of online exploitation schemes through blackmailing the victims by leaking their sexual materials if they refused to obey him.
Following an International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Red Notice, the suspect was finally arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and deported to the Philippines in September 2024.
In the decision issued by RTC Branch 37, Mejia was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and fined ₱1,000,000 for each of three counts of violation of R.A. No. 11862 or the Anti-TIP Act.
Additionally, the court imposed reclusion temporal and a fine of ₱300,000 for each of four counts of violating R.A. No. 11930.
His accomplice was likewise sentenced to reclusion temporal and fined ₱10,000 for violating the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Act. The court also found the accomplice guilty of sexual assault-related offenses.
This conviction marks a significant victory for government agencies in their fight against human trafficking. The RTC Branch 37 ruling highlights the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in law enforcement and victim protection.
Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty commended the relentless efforts of all those who worked together to bring Teddy Jay Mejia to justice.
"This victory is the result of the blood and sweat of our law enforcement officers and prosecutors. There is no place in our society for those who exploit and abuse our children. As public servants, it is our duty to fight for the rights of every young victim and ensure they are given a new chance at life," said Usec. Ty.
He also urged various sectors to unite and strengthen efforts against human trafficking, emphasizing that Filipinos must unite against this heinous crime, "Protecting our children is not just the government's responsibility—it is the duty of the entire nation. Let us take to heart that we are one nation, with one action, and that is to end human trafficking."
This case also underscores the expanding cross-border partnership in law enforcement and victim protection, demonstrating the unified commitment of government agencies in the fight against human trafficking.
The Government of the Philippines, through the Department of Justice - Philippines, as the lead agency of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking extends its gratitude to Interpol and the authorities of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for their unwavering cooperation and swift action in the successful apprehension and deportation of the Filipino trafficker.
