A Filipino accused of sexually exploiting more than 100 children back in the Philippines has been arrested in the UAE and will be extradited. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced the arrest on his official Facebook account. The suspect is described as a notorious child trafficker who targeted hundreds of Filipino children. The cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines has led to the arrest and impending extradition of the accused individual, marking a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of youth from abusers.
Abalos emphasized the government’s commitment to combatting human trafficking and protecting minors, with a clear message to abusers that they will face the full force of the law no matter where they try to hide. The suspect, who remains unidentified, is said to have exploited more than 100 victims, with some being rescued in operations across various provinces and cities in the Philippines. The suspect allegedly sold photos and videos of the victims to foreigners and received payment online, leading to the issuance of a Red Notice by Interpol.
This arrest is not the first instance of collaboration between the UAE and the Philippines in apprehending wanted individuals. In 2016, the Abu Dhabi Police arrested Filipino drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, who was extradited to face charges in the Philippines. The successful coordination between the two countries demonstrates a commitment to upholding justice and combating crime. The UAE authorities have not yet issued a statement on the recent arrest of the child trafficker suspected of exploiting hundreds of Filipino children.
Secretary Abalos has been actively involved in addressing various cases involving Filipino nationals abroad, including facilitating the extradition of wanted individuals. His recent visits to Dubai, Indonesia, and Abu Dhabi highlight the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crimes and ensuring the safety and security of individuals, particularly minors. Abalos’ efforts have resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking and other criminal activities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The arrest of the child trafficker in the UAE underscores the global nature of human trafficking and the need for continued collaboration among countries to combat this heinous crime. The successful apprehension of the suspect and the impending extradition to face justice in the Philippines sends a strong message to perpetrators that they will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their location. Through mutual cooperation and joint efforts, countries can work together to eradicate human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. Such cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of international partnerships in combating transnational crimes and ensuring justice for victims of exploitation and abuse.
