Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – On the evening of February 5, 2025, at approximately 9:15 PM, a successful entrapment and rescue operation was conducted in Purok Madasigon, Sto. Niño, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. This operation was executed under the implementation of Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), which led to the arrest of a male suspect Alyas Jepoy (not his real name) of legal age and a resident of the aforementioned location.
This operation, which was a joint effort of various law enforcement agencies, was led by PLTCOL Mario M. Baquiran Jr., Acting Chief of the MFU-WCPC, under the overall supervision of PBGEN Portia B. Manalad, Chief of WCPC. Additional agencies involved included PMAJ Joel M. Galeriana from Tukuran MPS, the WCPD of Tukuran, RACU IX, DSWD IX, NISG-WM, CID-SWM/BARMM, MSWDO-Tukuran, and RIACAT/RATTF IX, in close coordination with PD, ZDSPPO, and RD, PRO IX. The International Justice Mission (IJM) also provided active support during the operation.
The operation resulted in the immediate rescue of a female minor victim who had been offered online for exploitation. The suspect was promptly arrested and brought to the Tukuran Municipal Police Station for booking procedures and proper disposition. Additionally, significant evidence was confiscated during the raid, supporting the charges against the suspect.
The arrested individual faces multiple serious violations, including Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA 10364 and further amended by RA 11862 (the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022), RA 7610 (the Child Abuse Law), and RA 11930 (the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials Act).
The rescued victim who was identified as the suspect’s niece has been safely handed over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Tukuran for immediate evaluation and care.
This operation demonstrates the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga del Sur to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in the region.
