Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described parents engaged in the online sex trafficking of their children as the “worst enemies of the state,” adding that the government will remain relentless in pursuing these types of criminals.
Remulla issued this statement after the DOJ indicted a Kapampangan mother for qualified trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation charges. She was caught selling lewd videos of her minor daughter on the internet.
“The government will never relent in fighting those who exploit these fragile treasures of society. They are the worst enemies of the State,” Remulla said. “But we need the help of a vigilant citizenry to weed them out,” he added.
In a resolution announced on Sunday, the DOJ Task Force on Women and Children and Against Trafficking in Persons found probable cause to hold Jonalyn Rivera Jordan of Dau, Pampanga criminally liable.
The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center-Luzon Field Unit (WCPC-LFU) against the respondent.
An undercover agent posed as a foreigner online where he met Jordan via Skype. She reportedly tried to ask for money in exchange for a live video of her naked daughter.
The communications between the undercover agent and respondent went on for quite some time. Eventually, the agent convinced Jordan to reveal her location, prompting the authorities to conduct rescue operations. They found the daughter performing live in front of a video camera.
Authorities also rescued another daughter of the respondent. The DOJ said it has gathered enough evidence to indict the mother, considering the pornographic materials she was offering for $50 to online predators featuring her own children.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline DOJ: Parents trafficking their own children are the ‘worst enemies of the state’
