Philippines: Child rescue ends in sexual abuse – DW – 12

Child rescue groups are trying to save victims from sex trafficking in the Philippines. But a DW investigation found that they could be enabling abuse.

This article contains descriptions of sexual exploitation of children, which some readers may find distressing.

In July 2021, a Christian organization that has dedicated itself to fighting child sex trafficking launched an undercover operation in Olongapo, a city northwest of Manila in the Philippines. Destiny Rescue's informants had identified a woman who they said was trafficking children for sex, and set out to stop her.

Alina was one of the children targeted by the intelligence operation. She was 13 years old and had been drawn into prostitution.

"Our parents could no longer provide for us," Alina told DW. "I needed the money for our everyday living."

One night in July 2021, Alina said she and others were picked up on the street by two men who introduced themselves as Nico and Bryan. They took them to a restaurant, then to a hotel.

"After he showered, I showered, as well," Alina said. "Then it happened." She said Nico paid her 2,000 Philippine pesos, the equivalent of €34.

Nearly two weeks later, another girl named Reyna, then aged 16, said she was introduced to the same two men, along with a third one, and was taken to a hotel for sex.

The girls did not know at the time that they were the subjects of a surveillance operation, and the men they say abused them were informants carrying out undercover work for Destiny Rescue.

Both girls' names have been altered to protect their privacy.

The girls were lured into sex work through friends Image: Aleksandra Kononova/DW

Uncovering the suspected abuse