Authorities rescued two male minors and arrested three South Korean nationals during an anti-child exploitation operation conducted by the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) in Barangay Anunas on Monday, June 15.
The operation, carried out at around 7:00 p.m. by personnel of Police Station 4, resulted in the arrest of three Korean nationals aged 43, 55, and 33. The suspects were allegedly operating an illegal online gaming business that employed minors.
Police said the operation was launched following complaints from individuals identified only as “Joyce” and “Joji,” who reported that their children had been frequently staying at and entering an apartment occupied by the suspects in Purok 6, Barangay Anunas.
An investigation revealed that the minors were allegedly being forced to work in an online gaming operation involving the game “Lineage Classic.” The children were reportedly required to meet daily quotas and work overnight shifts from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in exchange for a salary of only ₱500 per day.
Authorities further discovered that the online gaming operation was allegedly operating without the required business permit and employment authorization.
The rescued minors were immediately turned over to the appropriate government agencies for intervention, protection, and assistance. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and placed under police custody pending the filing of charges.
The three foreign nationals are set to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Angeles City Police Director PCOL Joselito E. Villarosa Jr. reiterated the police force’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation and urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report similar incidents to authorities.
