The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested five people behind online child pornography “pretty.mirth” being operated as a “family business” since 2011.
Arrested last Saturday in an entrapment operation were Shaira Candaza, Girlie Candaza, Estrellita Candaza, Mary Rose Reyes and Mary Grace Cahanding.
They will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, RA 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, RA 9995 or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
NBI, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rescued two boys aged 5 and 11 and a two-year-old girl. They were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The FBI coordinated with the NBI-Anti Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) after they discovered that “pretty.mirth” is based in the Philippines. FBI forwarded information to the NBI including Yahoo chat logs between the FBI undercover agent and the suspects.
A surveillance operation was conducted at 27 MRT Avenue, Lower Bicutan in Taguig, the address given by the suspect in the Yahoo chat conversation. Authorities discovered the suspects offer minors to foreigners for online shows and meetups for sexual acts which are paid via money transfers.
Seized from the operation were logbooks, pornographic materials and drug paraphernalia. RAM/rga
