PHILIPPINE INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN CENTER PICACC STRIVING FOR A WORLD HISTORY OF WHERE CHILDREN ARE FREE FROM PICACC ONLINE EXPLOITATION THE PICACC IS A MODEL FOR ENHANCED GLOBAL COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO COMBAT CHILD - PICACC VISION EXPLOITATION ACROSS THE .

MARCH 17, 2020 PICACC TIMELINE 2ND ANNIVERSARY

FEBRUARY 27, 2019 APRIL 29, 2019 MARCH 11, 2020 APRIL 6, 2020 INAUGURATION JOINT OPERATIONS 1ST ANNIVERSARY 1ST COVID-19 OP

In Camp Crame, Philippines, international PICACC supported a joint operation For cases of online sexual Operatives from the Philippine National and Philippine law enforcement agencies between PNP WCPC and NBI-AHTRAD. exploitation, PICACC had: Police’s Women and Children Protection gathered for the launch of the PICACC. Resulting in the arrest of Europol’s 39 operations Center – Visayas Field Unit (WCPC-VFU) most wanted criminal who was later 43 local suspects arrested arrested a 25-year-old female trafficker sentenced to 20 years in prison after 3 traffickers convicted and who livestreamed the sexual abuse of her pleading guilty to producing child 36 have ongoing adjudication underage female cousin for a paying child sexual exploitation materials under 142 victims and children-at-risk sex offender abroad and also sold child Republic Act No. 9775. He is still facing rescued sexual exploitation materials (CSEM) to him. other charges of qualified trafficking, The victim was repeatedly abused from acts of lasciviousness and rape. 2016 to 2018, from the age of 11 to 13.

Inauguration at Camp Crame

Europol’s most wanted criminal PNP WCPC-VFU rescue victims

2 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 3 THE PICACC IS A COLLECTIVE EFFORT United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK NCA) TO COMBAT CHILD EXPLOITATION ACROSS THE PHILIPPINES BY LAW “Tackling child sexual abuse is a core part of the NCA’s mission. Our commitment to MEMBERS ENFORCEMENT tackling live-streaming of child abuse, including that orchestrated by UK offenders, was the initial reason for increasing our presence, and is still the reason for our continued activity. I have had a strong interest in the PICACC, its formation and development up to today, its 2nd anniversary. I’ve seen Philippine National Police Women and Children its steady rise in operations, rescues and arrests and felt an intense pride in NCA’s involvement and Protection Center (PNP WCPC) contribution. The PICACC is strongly based on international cooperation and is a prime example of how well this cooperation can work. The NCA will continue to support the PICACC and work together “My snappiest salute to my colleagues at the Philippine Internet Crimes Against with our partners in the Philippines to tackle this pernicious threat.” Children Center (PICACC), who have shown the world what global law enforcement collaboration can do to protect children from online sexual exploitation. On behalf of Stephen Smart the Philippine National Police, I extend my congratulations to all the men and women behind the NCA Director of Intelligence PICACC for the two fruitful years of joint investigations and life-changing rescue operations. As we celebrate the second anniversary of this incredible partnership, may we be continuously inspired by the stories of justice and victim restoration that our collaboration has made possible. The PNP, through Australian Federal Police the Women and Children Protection Center, is thankful to be working with our counterparts from Australia, the U.K., and the Netherlands as well as the very supportive International Justice Mission, in “The success of the PICACC is a testament to the strength of the partnerships between the our shared goal of protecting children from exploitation. Congratulations!” Australian Federal Police and our PICACC partners in our collaborative international effort to protect children. Child sex offenders operating in the Philippines and abroad are PBGEN. Alessandro C. Abella being detected, investigated and brought to justice. The child victims of these vile crimes Chief of Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center are being rescued and removed from further harm. The Australian Federal Police, through the ACCCE and our International Command in the Philippines, will continue to support the development and maturity of the PICACC.” National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human-Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) Reece Kershaw Australian Federal Police Commissioner “Let me congratulate the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center or PICACC on the celebration of its 2nd anniversary. It’s been two years since men and women with diverse discipline, mandate and outlook, but having one shared vision, National Police of the Netherlands gathered together for one particular purpose, to fight the Online Sexual Exploitation of “The Netherlands Police would like to congratulate PICACC on their two-year anniversary. We greatly Children. The fight had been challenging, but with dedication and hard work, we have had our own appreciate all the efforts and dedication of the founders of PICACC to combat child exploitation across share of success. This would not have been achievable if we had not worked together, as one. But let us the Philippines and are impressed by the achieved results. not be contented, let us not be satisfied, let us not rest a moment for if we do, we run the risk that our children be exploited and their lives ruined beyond repair. They say that if you want to go fast, go alone, Sexual exploitation of children has been one of the most alarming forms of human trafficking in the but if you want to go far, go together. So, let us continue fighting OSEC together to reach our goal, no Philippines in the past years. Since 2014, the Netherlands Police and the Public Prosecution Service matter how far it may seem.” (OM) have been working closely with the Philippines and other foreign law enforcement agencies, and Atty. Janet M. Francisco since 2019 also with PICACC to tackle (online) sexual abuse of children and child sex tourism. Due to Chief of Anti-Human Trafficking Division National Bureau of Investigation these joint efforts we have been able to contribute to the rescue of dozens of victims and to prosecute several Dutch perpetrators. However, the Philippines is still a preferred country for child sex tourism and online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is on the rise. Sex offenders anywhere in the world, International Justice Mission (IJM) including the Netherlands, can search online and pay for direct live sexual abuse of children.

“To the courageous men and women of the Philippine Internet Crime Against Children The Netherlands Police is very honored to announce that we have recently become an official partner Center who envision and fight for a world where our children are safe from online in PICACC to strengthen the approach against (online) sexual abuse in the Philippines. We are looking exploitation, we celebrate with you on your second year anniversary. IJM is honored to forward to contributing to PICACC by deploying a specialized Liaison Officer to provide training and work alongside Philippine and international law enforcement agencies of the PICACC. expertise soon. We have seen the results of the fruitful work of PICACC and therefore want to be part of Online sexual exploitation of children is a global crime requiring a global response, such this partnership, in which strengths and expertise are combined to jointly combat this global problem. as PICACC’s model for international collaboration. As you enforce the law, support the While this crime seems to be prolific, it is only matched by the relentless efforts of multinational law rescue of children, bring criminals to justice, you are building communities where all enforcement agencies.” people can be safe and protected. Thank you and congratulations!” Machiel Oeloff Atty. Samson Inocencio, Jr. Netherlands Police, Project Leader of International Projects Regional Vice President, IJM Global Hub Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

4 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 5 Victim Typology Notably, law enforcement has rescued victims in more areas than areas in which they have arrested suspects. This is 381 indicative of a growing victim- THE CRIME centric approach to online victims sexual exploitation of children investigations, in which law ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN enforcement appropriately Philippine law enforcement agencies identified 381 OSEC prioritizes victim rescue and Online sexual exploitation of children encompasses a range of crimes, including creating, possessing or distributing victims in 90 online sexual exploitation of children cases child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) like photos and videos. It also includes the sexual abuse of children by child protective actions, even investigated between 2011 and 2017. 86% of the victims when a timely arrest cannot traffickers who livestream the exploitation to satisfy the online demand of child sex offenders paying to direct the were female and 14% were male. abuse in real time. be made. Locations of victims rescued and suspected traffickers arrested In May 2020, International Justice Mission (IJM) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) and the Philippine InterAgency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) released the study, titled “Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines: Analysis and Recommendations Customer Typology for Governments, Industry and Civil Society.” The study explored the nature and scale of internet-based child sexual exploitation (CSE) and online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines. The following graphs and information Median Customer typology informations is based on 44 case were sourced from the study. You can find the study on IJM’s website at https://www.ijm.org/studies. refferals with customer information. Age The study has provided valuable information that helped stakeholders make informed decisions on enhancing existing Customers tended to be from western countries and all measures and developing new solutions to protecting children. It also highlighted the need for online sexual exploitation were men ranging from 40 to 72 years old. of children-related data owners, academics, technology designers, and online sexual exploitation of children experts to 1 collaborate and conduct more research, increase global knowledge about online sexual exploitation of children, as well as Victims ranged from less than 1 year old to 31 years old. 39% of cases involved customers who were known to have build the global stakeholder community’s capacity to measure prevalence of the crime and impact of key interventions. travelled to the Philippines at some point in their lives. This form of exploitation was usually a family- 9% of cases involved customers with a known history of based crime. cantact abuse of children in the Philippines.

Of the 217 victims where the relationship to the trafficker was known, the abused was perpetraded by... Case Initiation Trafficker Typology Biological Other Number of online parents relatives Trafficker information is based on 71 cases involving 141 41% 42% traffickers, investigated by Philippine law enforcement. sexual exploitation of children cases referred • Of the 285 victims that had been rescued, about 96% 66% of the traffickers were female and 96% were Filipino. to and/or investigated were rescued at the same time as another person. Only five traffickers were foreign nationals. The median by Philippine law • Of those rescued together, 40% were siblings, and age was 27 years old and ranged from 15 to 76 years old.2 enforcement by year, another 13% shared some other familial relationship (e.g. cousins). 2010-2017. • The relationship between victims rescued together was unknown for 39% of victims. Offending Process International Law Enforcement

64% of Philippine online 4+ average victims per case with 10 sexual exploitation cases involving 10 or more victims. cases were initiated by referrals from All traffickers Most Evidence was able Without intervention, the abuse often lasted for years. communicated in communicated to confirm that there international law Among the 43 victims from whom the exact length of enforcement agencies. English. and exchanged was a commercial abuse was known, the average length of abuse was two materials with element in 83% of all The number of online sexual exploitation of children cases referred years, ranging in length from two months to four years. customers on the cases. to and/or investigated by anti-trafficking units increased sharply and surface web. consistently.

Recently, the number has again seen a rise since COVID-19 lockdowns 1. Although these victims are not minors (as required by the study’s definition of OSEC), they are still considered to be trafficking victims according to began, but the PICACC continues their efforts to pursue their goal. Philippine law and were thus included in the analyses. All but two adult victims were identified in cases that also involved minor victims. The two adult victims that were not identified in a case that also involved minor victims were identified together and were both 18 years old at the time of their rescue. 2. Note: Philippine law provides for minor offenders (less than 18 years of age) to be classified as children in conflict with the law (CICL) and receive non-criminal interventions under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

6 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 7 has been arrested and will no longer be able to abuse Not only is this operation a demonstration of the ability children again. One can truly admire the men and women to provide protection for the vulnerable when local law of WCPC who are real life heroes doing their sworn duty enforcement work together, but also how international going above and beyond all challenges, thus achieving partnerships are key to fighting this crime. THE RESPONSE more protection to our children in the communities during this time of lockdown,” said Atty. Rey Bicol, Field The joint investigation and eventual operation was Officer Director of IJM . initiated by an Australian Federal Police referral to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center NATIONAL THE PHILIPPINES LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO (PICACC). PICACC-SUPPORTED JOINT OPERATION FIGHT ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN Acting Senior Officer Rachel Ball from the Australian RESCUES 4 CHILDREN AND ARRESTS 2 Federal Police in Manila said, “This investigation SUSPECTS. reinforces that collaboration between Philippine PNP-WCPC RESCUES 4 CHILDREN FROM related to the children. Then the children were placed in MONDAY, JULY 21, 2020 and Foreign Law Enforcement agencies through the ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION the custody of agencies who have begun providing trauma PICACC continues unabated. The Australian Federal and recovery interventions. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 In Bacoor, Cavite there were two 27-year-old , Police through our international command in Manila remain committed to supporting investigations of OSEC PBGEN Alessandro Abella, Chief of the WCPC is a man and a woman, living with four children, three In Taguig, Metro Manila four children were being sexually throughout the Philippines.” concerned about the possible effects of the pandemic females and one male, ages ranging from two to eight abused and exploited online by sexual predators from on the activities of abusers thinking they will not be years old. Two of which are the daughters of the male and other countries. the other two are the niece and nephew of the female. “Joint operations like this continue to demonstrate caught. “This can mean more victims need to be found how Philippine law enforcement agencies continue to and identified,” he said. He asks the public, saying: “It While most people can call a father and aunt a place of A 6-year-old boy and three girls ages 9, 10, and 17 were work together with their international partners in this is a challenge, and we need everyone who may have security, these children could not. They were made to be living as victims of online sexual exploitation until challenging time. NCA will continue to support all our knowledge of horrible crimes like this to come forward victims of online sexual exploitation by their own family. Aleng Pulis operatives of the Philippine National Police partners here and remain committed to the fight against and report. Report to your WCPC.” - Women and Children Protection Center (PNP WCPC) Until July 21, 2020. It was a Monday around noon when the online abuse of children through the PICACC and our came to their rescue. the National Bureau of Investigation – Anti-Human partnerships in the Philippines,” said David Cater, UK This rescue comes after a similar operation was conducted NCA Regional Manager – Asia/Pacific. the previous month in Bislig, Surigao del Sur where 13 Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) and the Philippine Chief of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the children were rescued by the WCPC. In Taguig city alone, National Police – Women and Children Protection Center PNP WCPC, PCOL Maria Sheila T. Portento, led the Online sexual exploitation is a crime that does not stop at the WCPC conducted 12 operations rescuing 52 victims (PNP WCPC) conducted a sting operation to rescue the team which included personnel from Taguig City Police the borders of the Philippines, its global nature requires and arresting 26 suspects. four children that were being offered to livestream sexual Station and City Social Welfare and Development Office, abuse in exchange for money by the two adult suspects. a global response. and International Justice Mission (IJM). “This Operation by the PNP WCPC is a powerful testimony “I cannot express my relief enough of their dedication to stopping online sexual exploitation The operation was a joint effort of the NBI-AHTRAD On September 24, 2020, the operation was conducted and that this rescue has become a reality on its tracks. As a result of their unfaltering commitment, led by Atty. Janet Francisco under the supervision of the multi-agency team saved the children from danger. four children are now safe and their alleged perpetrator NBI Deputy Director Vicente De Guzman and the PNP through the efforts of the dedicated Also, one suspect was arrested, who is believed to be WCPC led by PCOL Maria Sheila T. Portento under the supervision of PBGEN Alessandro Abella. They were men and women of the Philippine also supported by the Bacoor City Police Station (CPS), National Police, we have achieved Australian Federal Police (Australian Federal Police), United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK NCA), and another win in the fight against “This Operation by the PNP International Justice Mission (IJM). traffickers that prey on the most WCPC is a powerful testimony The children are safe and taken by social workers from vulnerable who cannot protect of their dedication to stopping the Department of Social Welfare and Development, who themselves from online abuse ” were involved in the operation, to a shelter to receive online sexual exploitation on trauma-informed interventions. - PCOL. Sheila T. Portento, Chief of WCPC-ATIPD its tracks.” “This joint rescue operation shows - Atty. Rey Bicol, that we are fully committed in Field Officer Director of IJM Manila. stopping OSEC in its tracks. We will do everything we can to carry out our sworn duty to bring criminals to justice wherever they are and whatever the circumstance may be.” AlengPulis operative of the WCPC carries one of the four rescued children-victims to safety. - Atty. Janet Francisco, Chief of the NBI-AHTRAD

8 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 9 GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIP’S IMPACT ON STOPPING THE CRIME

13 CHILDREN AND 2 ADULTS IN BISLIG This case started from a tip from the Australian Federal CITY RESCUED FROM ONLINE SEXUAL Police to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC) of a case involving an EXPLOITATION, 5 TRAFFICKERS ARRESTED Australian national, who was arrested for purchasing THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from four local traffickers in Surigao del Sur. Following the seizure of BISLIG CITY, SURIGAO DEL SUR - On August 20, 2020, his electronic devices, forensic examination identified simultaneous sting operation and an implementation 21 video recordings of child sexual abuse, as well as “The Australian Federal Police of Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Skype communications between the accused and his particularly thanks both the PNP Data (WSSECD) at two different locations in Bislig City, facilitators from the Philippines. Surigao del Sur resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the NBI for their ongoing and the rescue of 15 victims from online sexual PBGEN. Alessandr Abella of the WCPC commends his exploitation. offices because: “Despite being in one of the remotest dedication and commitment to part of the Philippines, our gallant law enforcers protect children, particularly The operation was conducted by joint elements of continue to persevere under challenging circumstances the PNP Women and Children Protection Center - to bring OSEC perpetrators to justice.” in the difficult pandemic Anti Trafficking Division (WCPC-ATIPD) and WCPC Mindanao Field Unit, led by PCOL Maria Sheila T. PCOL. Shiela Portento, Chief of the ATIPD, says: “This environment.” Portento under the Supervision of PBGEN Alessandro successful operation shows that OSEC is a crime that C. Abella, Chief of the WCPC; together with the Regional requires a global response. We are thankful to the - Detective Sergeant Graeme Marshall of the Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 10, 11 and 13, and the Australian Federal Police for collaborating with WCPC Australian Federal Police Bislig City Police Station (BCPS); in coordination with to make this operation happen. May those who are the Department of Social Welfare and Development perpetrating this crime or are considering to commit (DSWD) Region 13, City Social Welfare Development it realize that law enforcers from abroad and in the Office (CSWDO) of Bislig, DOJ Regional Anti-Trafficking Philippines are joining forces against them. May they Task Force 13, with the support of the Australian Federal realize this crime does not pay.” at 12 noon. The suspect arrested was an 18-year-old Police and International Justice Mission (IJM). female who offered 3 female victims online. They were Detective Sergeant Graeme Marshall of the Australian her 9-year-old niece, 12-year-old cousin and 18-year-old Federal Police said that the arrest and rescues were “a best friend. significant result that removes vulnerable victims from harm and protects the broader Philippine The succeeding operations took place three kilometers community. The Australian Federal Police is a proud away as authorities carried out the issuance to search, founding member of the PICACC and will continue to seize and examine computer data that same day at about work in collaboration with the PNP, National Bureau 12:30 in the afternoon. Upon gathering physical and of Investigation (NBI), United Kingdom National digital evidence, a total of five suspects were arrested Crime Agency, International Justice Mission and other in Bislig City through these simultaneous operations. partners to combat the abhorrent crime of child sexual The last suspect was apprehended through an issuance exploitation. The Australian Federal Police particularly of search warrant where she was caught in possession of thanks both the PNP and the NBI for their ongoing child sexual exploitation materials. dedication and commitment to protect children, particularly in the difficult pandemic environment.” All five suspect were female with ages ranging from 18 to 29 years old. Authorities were also able to rescue Atty. Lucille Dejito, IJM Field Office Director, a total of 15 victims and children at risk, 13 of whom added that: “The success of this operation is proof are minors with 2 adults. Some of the victims were the that more children will be protected by restraining biological children of some of the suspects. criminals and effectively enforcing the law. The scheme of online traffickers pales in comparison to the Police have filed complaints against the five female dedication of our law enforcers to protect children from suspects; and the victims rescued have begun receiving OSEC, the most urgent and horrible form of online child trauma-informed interventions. sexual abuse today. We commend our law enforcers for seeing today’s operation through despite the additional difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Four operations took place within the same locality in Bislig City. The first sting operation was carried out

10 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 11 REFERRALS FROM AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL enforcement was able to rescue nine children and arrest GLOBAL VIRTUAL SUMMIT POLICE AND US HOMELAND SECURITY three suspects. INVESTIGATIONS LEADS TO PNP WCPC In November 2020, the Philippine Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) in partnership with the RESCUING 20 CHILDREN IN BACK-TO- “Through these strong partnerships, we are able to U.S. Department of Justice to Monitor and Combat BACK OPERATIONS. identify and rescue those who are victimized through Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) and International WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 online sexual exploitation and bring those responsible to justice both in the Philippines and the United States.,” Justice Mission hosted a three-day online conference. As the new year began in the Philippines, President Ricardo Navalta, the Homeland Security Investigations The Summit highlighted the Philippines’ expertise in Duterte called for intensified measures towards fighting Attaché expressed his gratitude. fighting online sexual exploitation of children and the online sexual exploitation of children and that local law global response required to stopping it. Several of the enforcement continue in their efforts to do so. In the same city, another four children were identified local and international law enforcement PICACC partners and rescued through an online investigation of the PNP participated in the event. Across the Pacific Ocean, an Australian perpetrator was WCPC through its Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division. arrested and linked to a Filipino facilitator of online DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 sexual exploitation of children based in the Philippines. These back-to-back entrapment and rescue operations After this arrest, a referral from the Australian Federal took place on February 3, 2021 led by the PNP WCPC Police was sent to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against through the PICACC in coordination with local law Children Center (PICACC). Receiving the newfound enforcement and supported by International Justice information, the Philippine National Police Women Mission (IJM). They rescued 20 children who were and Children Protection Center led an investigation in being exploited online by foreign sexual predators Angeles City, through its Luzon Field Unit. The and arrested four suspects, of which two were found to investigation directed the local law enforcement to rescue be mothers of some of the victims. nine victims, of which seven are children, from online sexual exploitation and the arrest of one suspect. “The President has spoken, LEADING THE WAY: EMERGING BEST GLOBAL OSEC RESPONSES OSAEC must be addressed, and THE STORY OF HOW THE PRACTICES IN PHILIPPINE TO OSEC Similarly, in Tarlac after receiving information from the perpetrators brought to justice. The PHILIPPINES BECAME A OSEC INTERVENTION US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) the PNP- WCPC is committed to this order GLOBAL LEADER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST OSEC WCPC through the Transnational Criminal Investigative from the President,” Task Force (TCITF) began an investigation. From this investigation an operation was conducted, and local law - PBGEN Alessandro C. Abella, Chief of PNP-WCPC The PICACC’s involvement included the NGO member IJM helping host the event and contribute several experts in combatting the crime through law enforcement, prosecution, and aftercare from IJM staff as speakers and panel members. Likewise, leaders within participating PICACC local and international law enforcement agencies shared their insights as speakers and panel members.

Police Colonel, Maria Sheila T. Portento, Chief of the PNP-WCPC-ATIPD and Atty. Janet M. Francisco, Chief of the NBI-AHTRAD spoke on the Philippines’ response to online sexual exploitation of children. The Australian Federal Police had representatives speaking on a panel, discussing how to strengthen international collaboration in criminal prosecutions of sexually exploiting children online.

In addition, the PICACC was highlighted as the conference showcased successful practices emerging from the Philippines’ intervention against the crime. In a session exploring the PICACC’s formation, history, and participating agencies, PICACC was used to demonstrate local and international collaboration. Discussion also included the functional aspects and structure of the PICACC, the important lessons learned, and how it is not only functional in the Philippines, but is a model for replication around the globe.

12 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 13 TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PICACC PARTNERS VOICES

Online sexual exploitation of children is perpetuated and complicated by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Department of Justice Philippines fact that it is occurs via the internet — making this crime difficult to detect and the knowledge of its prevalence currently out of grasp. A crime that “The Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking extends its warmest occurs online requires online solutions. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) congratulations to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center have a corporate and ethical responsibility to help combat this crime. While for its second-year anniversary. The PICACC’s sophomore year did not come ISPs face limitations in terms of seeing the content that goes through their without any challenges. Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic the center bravely service, there are steps they can take to address the problem on their end. ISPs pushed on with its mandate and rose to the test. Cognizant that the ensuing can be effective partners in finding solutions. health crisis heightened the vulnerabilities of Filipino children from OSEC, the PICACC was immediately at the front lines. From just 12 victims rescued In the Philippines, significant efforts are being made to fight the online sexual in 2015 to 170 in 2020, including a total of 46 operations conducted during exploitation of children with technological solutions. Through the PICACC, the height of the pandemic and lockdowns. We would like to thank our the PNP and NBI will soon have the terminals and secure connections with international partners for their constant support in this cause, the Australian access to the international effort of identifying child sexual exploitation Federal Police, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency and in partnership materials (CSEM) via PhotoDNA, also known as image hashing; a technology with the International Justice Mission. Your continued efforts and assistance developed by Microsoft which takes known images, breaks them down into to Philippine law enforcement agencies are most invaluable. Likewise, to the pieces, and assigns a unique hash sequence to the image. The image hash is brave men and women of the Philippine National Police Women and Children added to a database and then, based on that database, already identified images Protection Center and the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human of CSEM can be picked up again when they are uploaded to a platform that Trafficking Division, thank you for your selfless dedication and commitment has the PhotoDNA screening capability. This is an incredible tool in locating to putting an end to OSEC in the Philippines. We know that this kind of work and catching sexually motivated offenders. Once the PNP and NBI are able to extracts a dear amount and oftentimes takes a toll on our wellbeing. But know access the database, they will be able to upload known hashes and download that the rewards are infinitely so much greater with every child that you the existing database. save from the clutches of abuse and exploitation. Let us continue to pray for collective strength so that at the end of the day we can all rest with the assurance Although this tool will aid the Philippines in its fight against online sexual that we have all given our best for this cause. Again, thank you so much to the exploitation of children, its limitations call for more technology solutions. PICACC for the very important work that you do in the Philippine counter Image hashing searches for and locates images that are already known. The trafficking measure. Please be assured of IACAT’s unwavering support to every most pressing issue in the Philippines is the production of new CSEM that is undertaking of the PICACC. Congratulations and Mabuhay!” uncategorized material. - USEC Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, IACAT Undersecretary-in-Charge As the world awaits emerging technology to address this issue, the children currently being exploited and abused cannot wait to be rescued. The PICACC is an essential unit to end this crime. The PNP-WCPC and NBI-AHTRAD are City Social Welfare Department doing important work that has led to rescues of children from all over the Philippines. We are grateful for the effort and commitment of the PICACC to lead on the rescue operations of children in Taguig City. Their capacity to do it helps minimize the internet crimes against children. It shows that the government has actions for the protection of children against internet crimes. We appreciate their great efforts to provide service for our Filipino children not only in Taguig City. May your active For a more in-depth analysis on the topic of technology and implementation be recognized that as law enforcers, you have rescued the victims and investigated the online sexual exploitation of children, read IJM’s whitepaper, alleged perpetrators to bring justice to our Filipino children. You uphold the protection and rights of our titled “ISP Visibility and Technology Hurdles to Blocking Filipino children. More power and Happy 2nd anniversary. Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.” - Ms. Milagros Sampang, Social Welfare Officer IV, Caloocan City To access the paper, visit osec.ijm.org/resources May you continue to serve for the best welfare of children. May your advocacy continue to prosper in resolving OSEC cases. God bless you always with a brave heart and good spirit especially for the children we serve. Happy 2nd Anniversary PICACC!

- Ms. Jurita P. Olvido, Social Worker, Taguig City

14 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 15 Cumulative

February 27, 2019 RESULTS OF Inauguration INTERVENTIONS IN 2015, THE PHILIPPINES SAW 12 VICTIMS RESCUED FROM ONLINE 118 84 373 SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN COMPARED TO 231 IN PICACC’S March 2021 OPERATIONS ARRESTS RESCUED SECOND YEAR.

Within the 1st year COVID-19

February 27, 2019 Faced with the challenge of COVID-19 lockdowns, PICACC was at the frontlines. Thanks to the men Inauguration and women of the PNP-WCPC and NBI AHTRAD and their bravery in the face of adversity a total of 46 operations were conducted during the height of the pandemic.

39 43 142 March 11, 2020 OPERATIONS ARRESTS RESCUED 1st Anniversary

Within the 2nd year

March 12, 2020 Beginning of year 2

79 41 231 March 2021 OPERATIONS ARRESTS RESCUED

16 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 17 FROM A SURVIVOR

MEET RUBY*, A SURVIVOR OF ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION LOOKING AHEAD

OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THE PHILIPPINES’ COMMITMENT TO THE PICACC AND CHILD PROTECTION HAS GROWN.

There have been additions to both the PNP and NBI efforts. PNP had 80 new WCPC officers in the past year. While new dedicated regional human trafficking focal agents have joined the NBI. Also, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime have become more involved and provided more resources to the PICACC. All these lead to the maturing and increasing capability of the PICACC.

Not only does the PICACC’s growth build a strong fight against children being exploited in the Philippines but also globally. The new partnership with the National Police of the Netherlands brings an increased threat to foreign offenders. The collective global effort is a warning to anyone anywhere considering harming children through online sexual exploitation.

“Hello to the brave men and women of Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center my name is Ruby, one of the survivors of online sexual exploitation of children, and I’m here today to greet you happy 2nd anniversary and also I just wanted TO A WORLD to extend my gratitude in all of your hard work and effort to rescue and investigate this kind of crime and I just wanted to tell you God bless you all thank you, thank you.” WHERE CHILDREN - Ruby* ARE FREE FROM ONLINE EXPLOITATION *a pseudonym

*Child in photo is not an actual victim.

18 PICACC 2nd Anniversary PICACC 2nd Anniversary 19 Philippine internet crimes against children center is a model for an enhanced global response against online sexual exploitation of children, is a cooperation among local and international law enforcement, namely the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Human-Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD), the Australian Federal Police, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK NCA), and the National Police of the Netherlands; in partnership with non-government organization, International Justice Mission (IJM).

All text and images © 2021 Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center