Operatives of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a house in Barangay Irawan in Puerto Princesa on February 12 over alleged online sexual exploitation activities.
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Palawan Provincial Field Unit served a search warrant at the residence and seized several electronic devices and other equipment believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
Police Major Jobeth De Castro, chief of CIDG Palawan, led the implementation of the warrant issued by Judge Leah Delos Reyes Baguyo of Regional Trial Court Branch 48 on February 5.
The operation is linked to alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, and Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The 27-year-old woman who is the subject of the warrant was not present during the raid. Follow-up operations are ongoing to bring her before the court.
Under the law, those found guilty of violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act may face imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱2 million to ₱5 million, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Authorities assured that the operation was carried out in accordance with proper procedures and in the presence of barangay officials.
