MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two women in Concepcion, Tarlac for alleged involvement in child sexual exploitation.

NBI said Monday it rescued 10 minors during an entrapment and rescue operation conducted on June 10, 2025.

The operation, carried out by the NBI’s Violence Against Women and Children Division (VAWCD), stemmed from a broader investigation into online child exploitation activities, including the earlier arrest of a Swedish national, Heinz Henry Andreas Berglund, in April. Berglund had been flagged by both local and international law enforcement for his suspected involvement in child sex crimes.

The investigation expanded following a referral from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Manila, which identified a Filipina allegedly facilitating the live-streamed sexual abuse of children for paying clients worldwide. Authorities said the woman and her adult sister were using their younger siblings as subjects in explicit online content, including videos and live webcam shows. The Nordic Liaison Office (NLO) later provided information linking the same woman to Berglund.

With the evidence, the NBI obtained warrants to search, seize, and examine computer data from two residences in Concepcion. A joint operation was launched by NBI units alongside personnel from HSI, the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), local social workers, Philippine National Police, and Destiny Rescue Philippines.

During the simultaneous raids, the two women were arrested and ten minors—identified as relatives and victims—were rescued and removed from the abusive environment.

The suspects face multiple charges under Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act), Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by Republic Act No. 11862 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

They underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice in Manila on June 11. Authorities say the rescued children are now under the care of social welfare agencies.