Press Briefing with DILG Sec. Atty Benjamin C Abalos Jr and Chief PNP, Police General ROMMEL FRANCISCO D MARBIL at NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City. Screengrab from PNP

Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil presented to the public the alleged pedophile and sex trafficker Teddy Jay Mojeca Mejia who was recently apprehended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Mejia is accused of preying on hundreds of minors, exploiting them through sex videos sold to foreign buyers.

During a media briefing, Secretary Abalos provided a sobering update on the case. He described Mejia as a "child predator" involved in severe criminal activities including Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, as well as numerous other charges related to child abuse and trafficking. Abalos highlighted that Mejia’s arrest was a significant collaborative effort with the UAE government.

“We're presenting to you a person with a long list of serious charges,” Abalos stated. “His cases include Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, Anti-Child Abuse, and Exploitation of Materials. He also faces charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons in relation to Cyber Crime Prevention Act, as well as rape. He has victimized over 111 children.”

Secretary Abalos revealed that Mejia’s victims were predominantly girls, with the youngest being just nine years old and the average age around 13. “This individual, Teddy Mejia, has been on the run with a warrant for his arrest for over a year. He was hiding in various places, but now, thanks to our international partners, he’s finally back in the Philippines,” Abalos added.

The arrest marks a significant step forward in combating online sexual exploitation and trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing these heinous crimes.