Lawmen nab 5 more kids in crime incidents

The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested in Pampanga a 19-year-old suspect for allegedly producing child sexual abuse or exploitation material through the online gaming platform Roblox, the agency said on Saturday.

The NBI said in a statement that the suspect allegedly persuaded a minor to engage in online sexual activity and send sexually exploitative images in exchange for Robux, the virtual currency used in Roblox.

The NBI said the suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

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Further digital investigation also linked the suspect to multiple CyberTipline Reports involving in an online enticement for sexual exploitation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials using various online accounts.

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A previous complaint involving another 10-year-old victim showed the suspect practicing similar operations to coerce and exploit the child through Roblox.

According to the NBI, law enforcers found numerous child sexual abuse or exploitation materials in the suspect’s seized mobile phone and also found that the suspect was actively communicating with yet another 12-year-old,

The operation stemmed from the referral from the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime regarding reports of online enticement of a minor for the production of child pornography.

The suspect underwent inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Pampanga on July 1 for the filing of appropriate criminal charges under RA 11930.

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Las Pinas stabbing

Another criminal investigation involving minors emerged on Friday after the Southern Police District took into custody four minors over the alleged stabbing of another minor in Las Piñas City.

“Based on the initial investigation, one minor sustained stab wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment, while another minor was the victim of an attempted stabbing but was able to evade the attack,” the police explained.

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The two latest incidents underscored a recent report of the Philippine National Police that there were a total of 1,275 school-related incidents involving children from 2022 to 2025.

Of the 1,275 school-related incidents, 210 incidents took place in 2022; 395 incidents in 2023; 345 incidents in 2024; and 325 incidents in 2025, according to the PNP in a statement.

It further noted that 279 of the incidents resulted in court cases; 323 remained under preliminary investigation; 52 were referred to social welfare authorities for proper intervention; 221 were settled amicably; 119 were dismissed, while 272 involved victims opting not to pursue charges.

“[T]he overwhelming majority of Filipino children are law-abiding and responsible members of society,” according to the PNP statement.

But “the recurring incidents reported in some schools underscore the need for sustained collaboration among parents, educators, local government units, social welfare agencies and law enforcement authorities,” the statement added.

Finding a reason

The PNP used the report’s findings to justify its call to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

“[D]iscussions on the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility involve broader considerations, including child protection, rehabilitation, public safety and the perspectives of various stakeholders,” the national police force added.

The renewed discussion on school-related incidents and the involvement of children in conflict with the law came in the wake of the fatal shooting incident at a Tacloban City high school in which two students, aged 14 and 15, fired several shots, killing three and injuring several others.

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Both minors were taken into the custody of the police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, but the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas has so far only filed murder and frustrated murder cases against the 15-year-old suspect. INQ