Courtesy: DOJ/IACAT 

MANILA — A lawyer was arrested for alleged child abuse and human trafficking in Zamboanga City last week. 

A team composed of various government agencies under the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking arrested lawyer Michael Molina on March 26 following cyber-surveillance and intelligence operations. 

In a statement, the Department of Justice said the team rescued three minors and identified six additional victims who are also believed to have suffered sexual abuse. 

“Seized items upon initial examination showed that Molina’s exploitation of children may have started 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 DOJ said.

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Molina faces multiple charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and 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.

The IACAT team was composed of the DOJ - Office of Cybercrime, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Coordinating Center on Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

The arresting team was supported by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and non-government organization Exodus Philippines.

The IACAT agencies urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child exploitation to the DOJ, the NBI, or local law enforcement agencies.

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