Conviction of child demon Teddy Mejia and role of his nemesis Benhur Abalos Jr. 

In an era where child exploitation casts a dark shadow over our nation,  the recent conviction of Teddy Jay Mojeca Mejia—infamously known as Teddy Mejia—who raped and trafficked 111 female children, youngest at 9 years old, marks a crucial point in our unyielding fight against child molesters and traffickers.  

Several days ago, Mejia pleaded guilty during his trial in both RTC Branch 88 of Nueva Ecija and RTC Branch 29 of Nueva Vizcaya.  He was convicted of qualified trafficking, statutory rape, and violations of Republic Acts No. 9802 and No. 11930, otherwise, the Anti-Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

His tormentor, former DILG Secretary and now senatorial candidate Benjamin (Benhur) Abalos Jr., called Mejia a demon. “Pino-profile niya (Mejia) ‘yung bata na loner at mga matatalino, mga 10-11 years old,” and then “Iki-clickbait niya at bibigyan ng 500 (pesos).” “Yung iba ginagahasa, at pagkatapos ay tine-tape pa at ibinibenta pa ulit hanggang and mga bata na-enslave niya”.  “Imagine, 9 years old, 10, 11, these children were so young, when the children refused, he threatened them with fake nude pictures,”.   

Mejia recorded himself having sexual intercourse with victims and sold videos online to foreigners. He was arrested in 2014 and 2015 for violating the Anti-Child Abuse Law and Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act. He fled the country in 2021 and hid abroad, where he expanded his unlawful practices in nine countries. 

General Portia Manalad, Director of PNP Women and Children Protection Center under Abalos’ stint in the DILG, began investigating Mejia in 2023 after discovering a Telegram channel selling child exploitation materials. Mejia was later traced in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) but catching him posed an international challenge. Finally, he was arrested and returned to the Philippines in September last year.

Abalos’ collaboration with his friends- top UAE officials, including President Mohammed bin Sayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Police Chief Lt. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, and Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid Al Mar Zouqui, facilitated the arrest and subsequent deportation of Mejia. 

 Gen. Manalad emphasized Abalos’ crucial role in the successful operation against this child demon. “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.”  This global collaboration, achieved between Abalos and UAE authorities, showcases the power of unity in confronting transnational crime. We need more international partnerships, sharing intelligence and resources to engage a united front against child traffickers who exploit jurisdictions and borders to evade justice. 

Let us honor this successful effort by Philippine and UAE officials which brought justice for the young survivors of this demon Mejia and assert our commitment to safeguarding our most precious resource—our children—against all forms of harm.  This victory does not symbolize merely a successful case closure but serves as a rallying cry for continued advocacy against child trafficking—a call for immediate and systemic change. Each victim represents a life unjustly altered by unspeakable trauma, and we must ensure such horrors never reoccur. 

Today, local government units (LGUs) down to the Baranggays are better empowered to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation after Sec. Abalos issued DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-140 last year. This requires every province, city and municipality to create ordinances against online sexual abuse, exploitation of children, and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials, in line with Republic Act 11930.

Gen. 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. 

Overall, I believe that this is the trademark of Abalos’ banner of Action not Words’ (Gawa, hindi salita). Since the start of his political career, he charted his course and legacy as a defender of children and advocate for their rights. His transition into the Senate will offer him a platform to renew and further amplify the fight against child trafficking, much needed in our country where indifference remains persistent. “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. “Other countries must also pass laws that would punish not only those who produce such materials but also those who watch or download child exploitation materials”.  Abalos passionately advocates for stricter laws designed to effectively punish traffickers while simultaneously dismantling the networks that perpetuate such vile acts. 

As Abalos moves towards a potential senatorial seat, he will lead the way in creating future policies to dismantle the systemic issues that allow such horrendous crimes to occur. 

Protection against child trafficking and exploitation demands not just a reaction but proactive measures, spearheaded by those in positions of power who understand the gravity of the threat that looms over our children. 

Fundamental changes in legislation, combined with community empowerment, can stem the tide of predators like Mejia, making it clear that such monstrous acts will not only be prosecuted but met with unyielding resistance at every level. Our society needs a larger tapestry of resistance to exploitation—one that weaves together calls for legislative change, community vigilance, and renewed purpose in nurturing and protecting our children. Not just press releases but real talk and concrete action. 

I will not be surprised that more Filipino families now look at Benhur Abalos Jr. as a consistent and dependable protector of their children with his unmatched advocacy and decisive action. 

I know for a fact that he will continue in the Senate his fight against child trafficking and exploitation until the very last child demon hiding in the shadows is brought to light, confronted and eradicated.