2 moms nabbed in separate cases of child abuse, killing

By Paulo DS. Papa

A mother of six children from Bombon town, Camarines Sur, is facing charges of child exploitation and online prostitution, according to Agent Joey Ajero of the National Bureau of Investigation–Naga City District Office during a follow-up interview.

To recall, on the morning of Wednesday, May 25, a search warrant was served in Barangay San Roque against the 31-year-old mother, who was allegedly involved in online child exploitation. Authorities said she used four of her six children—minors aged 2 to 17 years old—as subjects in explicit online content. All the children are now under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Agent Sha,” the case officer from NBI-Manila, said during a press briefing that the surveillance operation began after the bureau received a report from Homeland Security Investigations in the United States regarding child prostitution activities targeting foreign clients in exchange for thousands of dollars.

The mother, now under the custody of NBI-Naga, is facing charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act; RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; and RA 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.

Ajero confirmed that the accused used a smartphone and Facebook Messenger video calls to carry out the exploitation, charging clients between $50 USD and $100 USD.

He added that the case has already been filed with the Office of the Clerk of Court to assign a judge and schedule hearings.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Barangay Sta. Maria, Presentacion, Camarines Sur, a 24-year-old mother allegedly killed her two children on Sunday, June 1.

Police have not yet released details about the case, in which a four-year-old child and a two-month-old infant died.

Based on the statement issued by the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office said that it discouraged the release of information to the media regarding the mother who killed her two children, citing guidance from the Women and Children Protection Desk to withhold details in order to protect the dignity and privacy of those involved.

Initial reports suggest that the mother was suffering from post-partum depression, a serious mental health condition that can affect women after childbirth. It is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair, which may interfere with a mother’s ability to care for her child or herself.

Reports allege that the mother fatally stabbed her older child and suffocated the baby using a pillow.