Philippine police rescue minors in separate abduction cases

Philippine authorities have rescued several minors in two distinct operations involving alleged child trafficking and abduction.

In Pampanga, the Southern Police District rescued eight-month-old twin boys following an investigation into human trafficking. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Aurora and Pampanga. Investigators determined the twins were allegedly transferred to a woman after the mother received approximately P30,000 in total via online transfer and cash. During a related operation in San Luis, Aurora, police also rescued two other children, aged six months and 10 years, who are currently in protective custody. Charges have been filed for violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.

In a separate incident in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Pasay City police rescued two children, aged 11 and 3, from their father. The suspect was arrested following a report from the children's mother, who stated they were taken from their Pasay City residence without her consent. Police are preparing charges for forcible abduction and violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.