Photo:NBI

MANILA, Philippines – An American national found out to be traveling to the Philippines for the sole purpose of child sex tourism has been arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in an entrapment operation last February 11 in Bamban, Tarlac. 

Last August 27, the NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Division (VAWCD) received a case referral from the US Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and Manila Attache Office concerning US citizen Joseph John Graham reported to be frequenting the Philippines to engage in child sexual abuse. 

Investigation led to the discovery of photos and videos of naked minors from Graham’s phone. 

Following the arrest of Graham, the Filipina who was sending the pornographic photos and videos to Graham was identified as well as the three children who appeared in the sexually exploitative materials with him. 

Through an undercover agent, the woman who sends illicit content to Graham confirmed that she knows the American national and that the kids she was sending to him were her own children. 

She too was arrested for engaging her children in selling sexually explicit live online shows. The operation also led to the rescue of the three minors. 

NBI Director Jaime Santiago then called out to parents that making business out of sexual exploitation of their children is not the answer to poverty. He also asked for help from people who may have knowledge of these kinds of operations to report to the NBI. 

“Sa mga magulang, hindi kasagutan sa kahirapan ‘yun gawin nating negosyo ang ating mga anak through sexual exploitation,” Santiago said.

“‘Yung namang mga kapitbahay, kamag anak na may knoledge na may ganitong nangyayari, bukas po ang aming tanggapan i-report niyo lang po, hindi po namin sasabihin na sa inyo nanggaling ang information,” Santiago said.