MANILA - The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) rescued a five-year-old girl who was allegedly sold by her neighbor in an online porn website and chatroom in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig City.

Police Colonel Sheila Portento, chief of the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division of PNP-WCPC, said the UK National Crime Agency and Norwegian Police gave them the information and they coordinated with them for two years.

“Nung may nahuli silang pedophile doon, when they did a run doon sa mga evidence na na-seize, digital evidence, nakita doon na itong subject natin has been the source. Or nagkaroon siya ng activity online distributing or sharing ng child sexual exploitation materials,” Portento said.

PNP-WCPC operatives arrested two suspects identified as Melchor Santos and Ana Maria Laguilles.

Portento said the victim’s mother worked during day and did not know her daughter’s whereabouts.

“Nagtatrabaho kase siya during daytime. Hindi na niya namo-monitor ang bata na ipinagkatiwala niya sa husband niya lang. During those episodes na wala siya, doon nahihiram o nae-entice ng subject 'yung bata,” Portento said.

WCPC reminded parents to look after their children.

“Ibayong pagbabantay sa mga anak natin kase kahit pa kapitbahay na kilala natin, kailangan natin protektahan ang mga bata,” Portento said.

The suspects will be charged with violations of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208), Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) and Child Abuse Law (RA 7610).