Australian Denies Child Abuse Allegations in Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — An Australian national denied involvement in online child sexual abuse in Capiz, claiming instead that he works in online marketing.

This was according to barangay councilor Richard Lugo of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ivisan, Capiz, who said the Australian national, identified as Terrence William Short, told him he was not connected to the recent case filed by police.

Lugo said Short denied the allegations, explaining that he had participated in an online game where the prize allegedly included nude photos of female minors.

The nude images were among the 150 photos recovered by police during their investigation.

Lugo added that Short had been residing at the Pabahay in Barangay Sta. Cruz for approximately six months with his live-in partner, known as “Bebing,” a native of Capiz, along with two minors, reportedly her relatives.

The Australian national is believed to be between 50 and 60 years old.

Police recently filed charges against him for violating the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act (Republic Act 11930) and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

The two minors were rescued in an entrapment operation conducted by authorities in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ivisan, Capiz.

Police Captain Merry Chris dela Cruz, spokesperson for the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said the operation followed a month-long surveillance after reports surfaced linking Short to human trafficking activities.

The operation, conducted under a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) and with support from the Women and Children Protection Center Visayas Field Unit (WCPC VFU), led to the seizure of electronic devices, including laptops, external hard drives, USB drives, and SIM cards allegedly used to obtain and upload illicit videos.

Dela Cruz confirmed coordination with international authorities, who assisted in tracing the suspect’s activities.

The rescued minors, aged 5 and 7, both elementary students, are currently under the care of the Ivisan Crisis Center for psychosocial assessment and evaluation, while Short remains in police custody.