The rescue was a joint operation between Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and the Philippine National Police

Sixteen children have been removed from harm in the Philippines through a joint operation between Australian and Philippine law enforcement agencies – believed to be the most child abuse victims rescued by any of the agencies at one time.

The children, the youngest aged 10, were rescued during a search warrant in the Northern Philippines last month, which was initiated after Australian Border Force (AFB) examined a man’s luggage as he was returning from the Philippines in January.

The Queensland man, 56, was found to have child abuse material and messages detailing his intent to pay child abuse facilitators in the Philippines.

AFB then alerted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who began investigating the man further, eventually working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rescue the children.

“This case highlights how vital it is for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and resources globally, because predators are not confined by borders,” said AFP Senior Officer in Manila, Detective Superintendent Andrew Perkins.

“However, these children’s lives have been irrecoverably damaged and we know there are too many other children still at risk.”

A Sydney magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for the man after he allegedly failed to attend a scheduled court appearance in May to hear several charges relating to child abuse and material.

The PNP is continuing to search for other children allegedly identified in the investigation.