3 KOREAN NATIONALS JAILED IN ANGELES CITY FOR ‘CHILD EXPLOITATION’

BY KEVIN GALANG 

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Three Korean nationals were hauled to jail in this city for alleged child exploitation by employing two minors for an unauthorized online gaming operation.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, the three Koreans aged 55, 43 and 33 were arrested following a request for help from the mothers of the two teenage boys who reportedly stayed at and frequently visited an apartment occupied by the foreign nationals.

Officers from the Police Station 4 of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) found one of the minors seated in front of a computer unit upon arriving at the location. 

Further investigation revealed that the two boys, aged 16 and 17, had allegedly been recruited by an individual identified only through an alias and later brought to the foreign nationals.

The minors were reportedly required to work overnight shifts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., playing an online game and meeting daily quotas in exchange for a wage of P500 per shift.

Authorities also discovered that the operation allegedly lacked the necessary permits to conduct business and employ workers.

Several computer units and related equipment were confiscated during the operation.

The three Koreans were brought to Police Station 4 for documentation and further investigation. 

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt for another suspect. 

Investigators are preparing charges against the arrested individuals for alleged violations of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by Republic Act 10364, and Republic Act 7610 also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Mendez emphasized the Philippine National Police’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation and abuse.

“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in safeguarding the welfare and rights of children. We commend the swift action of our personnel and encourage the public to report any form of child exploitation, trafficking or abuse,” he said.

“Anyone who exploits minors will face the full force of the law, regardless of nationality or status,” Mendez added.

According to Mendez, the operation supports the priority programs of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, and reflects PRO3’s commitment to delivering prompt, honest, and responsive public service.