A multi-agency law enforcement operation led to the arrest of a local lawyer and certified public accountant in Zamboanga City, with authorities confirming the rescue of three minors and the identification of additional victims linked to alleged criminal activities.
The suspect, identified as Atty. Michael Molina, was apprehended in an operation conducted by the Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC), National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD), NBI-Western Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-WEMRO), National Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM), and the DOJ-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT). The operation was supported by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 9 (DSWD-9), Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the non-government organization Exodus Philippines.
In a statement released by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on Monday, it said Molina was apprehended following an extensive cyber-surveillance and intelligence operation.
They added that “the operating team rescued three minors from his premises and identified six additional victims, some of whom are now adults, all believed to have suffered sexual abuse.”
The same statement claimed that the seized items upon initial examination showed that Molina’s exploitation of children may have started [in] 2012, while in-depth forensic examination of his devices will be performed as data recovered suggests that his collection and production of child abuse materials may have started as early as 2002.
“The rescued minors are now under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” IACAT stated.
Molina is facing multiple charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; 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; and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
“These laws impose severe penalties on individuals engaged in human trafficking, online sexual exploitation, and any form of child abuse, ensuring that those who prey on vulnerable minors are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the DOJ said.
Authorities reiterated their call for public vigilance. “Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child exploitation to the DOJ, the NBI, or local law enforcement agencies,” the DOJ added.
As of this writing, no statement has been issued by Molina or his legal counsel.
