DOJ files raps vs. man for sale of minors' sexual content

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed several charges against a man for selling explicit sexual content involving minors online.

In a news release on Tuesday, the DOJ said charges of violation of Sec 4 (c) of Republic Act 11930, or the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse of Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act were filed against the suspect Benjie Ortillano, also known as "Bench Ortillano Lee”, before the Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija.

Ortillano was the subject of an intelligence report sent by the DOJ-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to the National Investigation Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) for his involvement in the online sale of CSAEM in the province.

NBI agents also uncovered several social media accounts associated with Ortillano, including a Twitter handle "@baste_xxx" and a Facebook account under the name "Bench Ortillano Lee,” which were found to be promoting explicit content and even offering discounts for access to a VIP Telegram channel.

Further investigation showed that Ortillano is also involved in maintaining minor models and facilitating the distribution of illicit materials through his Telegram channel.

The NBI said Ortillano openly disclosed the availability of explicit images and videos, which could be accessed after paying PHP499 to be sent to a designated GCash account.

Upon payment, undercover NBI agents received a link from Ortillano, leading to explicit videos, including footage of him engaging in sexual acts with minors.

The evidence, coupled with a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 4, led to Ortillano's arrest on May 15.

After a thorough review of the case, the DOJ confirmed the validity of Ortillano's arrest, noting that it was carried out in strict compliance with the Revised Rule on Criminal Procedure.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the decisive action on the case underscores the DOJ's unwavering commitment to protecting children from online exploitation and holding those accountable for their heinous crimes.

“It serves as a stern warning to individuals engaged in similar illicit activities that justice will prevail, and the law will be enforced to its fullest extent," Remulla said.

"The collaboration between the DOJ and NBI is crucial in dismantling these criminal networks. We will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals who engage in such heinous activities,” he said. (PNA)