FORMER Interior and Local Government Secretary and senatorial candidate Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. celebrated the conviction of a “demon” child sex trafficker who raped 111 minors.

According to Brig. Gen. Portia Manalad, director of the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), who accompanied Abalos to the United Arab Emirates last September to arrest Teddy Jay Mojeca Mejia, the trafficker pleaded guilty during the trial in Branch 88 of Nueva Ecija and Branch 29 of Nueva Vizcaya.

Manalad shared that WCPC, under Abalos’ leadership, began investigating Mejia in 2023 after discovering a Telegram channel selling child exploitation materials.

Mejia was later traced to the UAE, but his arrest was challenging due to the international nature of the case. Manalad emphasized Abalos’ crucial role in the successful operation against Mejia.

“We sought help from the DILG, and thankfully, Sec. Abalos supported us through his connections with the UAE Ministry of Interior,” Manalad said. “His direct engagement with them was instrumental in the operation.”

Abalos has long advocated for protecting children against online exploitation.

Mejia was arrested in the UAE in September and returned to the Philippines with the assistance of Abalos and Manalad after coordination with UAE authorities and Interpol.

Mejia is facing charges of qualified trafficking, statutory rape, and violations of Republic Acts No. 9802 and No. 11930, which deal with the Anti-Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

It was determined that 111 minors, including children from Taguig City who were rescued on September 9, 2024, were victims of Mejia. The investigation also revealed that nine countries had access to his illegal materials.

Abalos described Mejia as a demon who deliberately targeted vulnerable children.

“Imagine—9 years old, 10, 11—these children were so young. When the children refused, he threatened them with fake nude pictures,” Abalos said.

He also called on countries to pass laws that would punish not only those who produce such materials but also those who watch or download child exploitation materials.

“Many people don’t realize that every click on such materials is an act of abuse. Every country has a responsibility to protect children, and we should unite in passing laws that will prevent such activities,” he said.

Before leaving office to run for senator, Abalos issued Memorandum Circular 2024-140, requiring all local government units to create ordinances against online sexual abuse, exploitation of children, and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials, in line with Republic Act 11930.

Manalad said that following Mejia’s arrest, local governments, including barangays, now have clearer programs to address these issues.

“They’ve become more active in raising awareness and establishing referral mechanisms, where children can comfortably report incidents in their barangays,” she said.