December 11th 2024.
Several young children, some as young as two years old, have recently been placed in the care of child welfare services in the Philippines. This was a result of two Australian men and two Filipino women being charged with alleged child sex abuse offences. It was a truly disturbing and heartbreaking situation for all involved.
The investigation into these heinous crimes was a joint effort between the Australian Federal Police and the Philippine National Police. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, two women were arrested in the southern Philippines on November 14. Six children were rescued from harm in the Cagayan De Oro region and are now receiving care from social services.
According to 9News, the charges against the women included human trafficking and child abuse material offences. These charges were brought about after two Australian men were also charged with possessing and soliciting child abuse material related to the young Filipino victims. It's a tragic chain of events that has left these innocent children scarred for life.
The investigation began when a 41-year-old man from Tasmania was arrested for possessing child abuse images and videos. Upon further examination of his phone, investigators discovered a text conversation discussing the sale of child abuse material. It was determined that the facilitator and the child victims were based in the Philippines. The man was charged by the AFP with multiple counts of using a carriage service for child abuse material and transmitting indecent communication to a person under 16. The case is still ongoing.
In a separate incident, a 41-year-old man was arrested by the AFP at Melbourne Airport after arriving from the Philippines. Child abuse material was allegedly found on his phone, and a subsequent search warrant of his home revealed evidence of contact offending against child victims. He was charged with various offences, including grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a child. He pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced in April 2025.
The investigation also led to the identification of victims in the Philippines, which was made possible through collaboration between the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Centre and the AFP Manila Post. Detective Sergeant Daisie Beckensall, an AFP Manila Liaison Officer, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in cases like this. She also expressed her concern for the victims and the determination to continue the fight against child exploitation and abuse.
Brigadier General Portia B. Manalad from the Philippine National Police also commended the partnership between their organization and the AFP. They are committed to exchanging intelligence to bring more perpetrators to justice and rescue more children from similar situations.
It is essential for the public to be vigilant and report any information about child abuse. If anyone knows of any ongoing abuse or a child in danger, they are urged to call the police immediately or contact the ACCCE. There are also support services available for those impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, such as Kids Helpline and the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service. Let us all work together to protect our children and put an end to these horrific crimes.
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