DOJ: Parents who traffic their own children are the 'worst enemies of the state'

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described parents involved in online sex trafficking of their own children as the “worst enemies of the state,” adding that the government would continue relentlessly to pursue such criminals.

Remulla issued the statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted a Kapampangan mother on alleged charges of trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation. She was caught selling obscene videos of her underage daughter on the Internet.

“The government will never let up in its fight against those who exploit these fragile treasures of society. They are the worst enemies of the state,” Remulla said. “But we need the help of vigilant citizens to eliminate them,” he added.

In a resolution announced Sunday, the DOJ Women and Children and Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force found probable cause to hold Jonalyn Rivera Jordan of Dau, Pampanga, criminally responsible.

The case arose from the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center-Luzon Field Unit (WCPC-LFU) against the respondent.

An undercover agent posed as a stranger online where he met Jordan via Skype. She allegedly tried to demand money in exchange for a live video of her naked daughter.

Communications between the undercover agent and the respondent continued for some time. Eventually, the agent convinced Jordan to reveal his location, prompting authorities to carry out rescue operations. They found the girl performing live on a video camera.

Authorities also rescued another daughter of the defendant. The DOJ said it gathered enough evidence to charge the mother, considering the pornographic material she offered for $50 to online predators featuring her own children.